Tales of Regventus : Adalwen
Chapter 18

Max was exhausted. He had worked hard for five days straight. He was sore and his brain felt like it was so full it would blow up. He had worked on levitating items until he could successfully hold a stick in the air for five minutes. He worked with Griffa on potions until his eye site blurred from looking at old books.

He worked on summoning breezes and making water move with Ansel until he was sick of moving his hands around. He really needed a break and luckily one would come today. Tonight, was the Harvest Celebration in Abscon, and Griffa had declared they would all rest today for the festivities at night.

Max got to sleep in for the first time in what felt like forever. He woke up earlier than he would have liked due to a strange dream. He was standing on a cliff overlooking a river. At his right stood Griffa, and she was looking out over the cliff. Ansel was next to Griffa looking at her worriedly. He grabbed Griffa’s hand and closed his eyes. Griffa closed her eyes and leaned on Ansel. After a moment, she opened her eyes and stood up straight. She turned and looked sadly at Max. She turned to Ansel, and he let go of Griffa’s hand. Griffa took a deep breath and then suddenly turned from the cliff and walked away. When Max turned to see where she was going, Max woke up.

He lay in bed wondering about his dream. It had felt very real. He supposed all of the magic he had learned had an effect on his mind. Max laid in bed and thought about all that had happened in such a short time. Sometimes he couldn’t really believe it. He had learned and done so much, but there still seemed like so much to do. He still wasn’t sure about him actually being a king and what that would mean. Ansel had discussed it with him many times the past few days.

Max knew that a king was needed to unite the magical folk against those who followed the Ancients. He knew that Madam Sidora had stated Max was the one who should be king. She had made an official prophecy, and most magical folk took prophecy for the truth. Ansel told Max that he would know that he should claim himself as king when he had fully unlocked the magic inside of him. He said when Max heard the magic speak to him, he would know who he was meant to be. Max wasn’t sure about that, but he did know the more he learned about magic, the more right he felt. The more time he spent in Abscon the more he felt at home there. He still missed Nora, Danin, and Issa, but something about being in Abscon felt natural. It felt like something in him had come alive.

Max was anxious to know more and more. He wanted to understand what Ansel was talking about. He even asked Griffa about what Helmer had meant about unlocking his magical ability in an instant. As soon as he asked, he wished he hadn’t.

Griffa’s eyes went dark, and she grabbed him by the arm. “Don’t ever think of that as an option. What he was suggesting would ruin you, Max. Blood magic is not to be fooled with; a price will always be paid. I will teach you about almost anything, but not that.”

Max’s curiosity had been sparked, though. He knew he shouldn’t, but he searched Griffa’s shelves for books on blood magic. He didn’t plan on using it, but he wanted to know more. When he found no helpful books there, he asked Ansel if there was a place to get other books in the village.

Ansel approved of his further learning and took him to the town’s library. Max spent a few hours searching until he found what he needed. He hid the book between others and snuck them back into his room. At night he read about blood magic.

It was an interesting subject. Some of it was terrifying, but much of it was intriguing. Max read of instances where blood magic was used without harm. It was said to have been used long ago even before King Nathin ruled. Max couldn’t help but want to learn more and more. It also helped take away his lonely thoughts of home, of Clarton, of thoughts about Danin, Nora, and Issa.

Today, though, was supposed to be about fun. They were also expecting a visitor. Talon Wendell, the leader of the Valley would join them today. Max wasn’t sure what to expect. Griffa said Talon was very friendly, and she said Max would like him. Ansel seem to be dreading the visit.

Max decided to empty his head of blood magic and training and focus on having new experiences. He popped out of bed and got dressed, deciding to go downstairs to see what was for breakfast. They had been so busy the past few days that Maybell had taken to leaving a few dishes on a table for them to eat when they were ready.

When Max got down into the dining room, Griffa was at the table, eating some bacon and toast with a faraway look on her face.

“Good morning, Griffa,” said Max coming into the room.

Griffa shook her head a little and smiled. “Oh, Good morning, Max. I expected you to sleep a little late today.”

“This is late for me,” replied Max. “What’s planned for today?”

Max sat down to the left of Griffa with a full plate of food.

“Talon should be here soon. After you greet him you may do whatever you wish, Max. I was thinking of taking a ride this morning through the fields behind the village if you are interested, but you can do whatever you please.”

“A ride sounds really good. When do you want to go?” asked Max as he gulped down food.

“After I receive Talon and get him settled in. I also need to send out a few messages. I’ve been meaning to ask you if you would like to write someone back home.”

“I didn’t know if you could send messages from here to Clarton?” said Max. “Is it safe?”

“Oh very, with the birds we have. We can also charm messages to only be received by those we wish. I believe Ansel has been keeping your friends informed of your safety, and he bartered for your horses. If you have something to send, we can send it with one of our messenger birds. We have falcons and pigeons. Pigeons are usually better if going to a non-magical place, less conspicuous. I’m sorry, Max. I should have mentioned this earlier.”

“It’s ok. We’ve had a lot going on. Can I write a letter this morning?” asked Max.

“Of course, finish eating and go write your letter. We can have it sent before we go on our ride,” said Griffa as she stood up.

Max stood up suddenly, trying to remember his manners. Griffa giggled at him and waved at him to sit down as she quit the room. Max gobbled down breakfast and went to the parlor to grab some paper and a quill.

He sat at the desk wondering what he should say. He thought for a moment and then wrote a short letter to Danin and Nora. He told them not to worry, that he was doing well. He was learning a lot, and there was so much to talk about that he couldn’t write it all down. He wrote he would tell them in person when he went back to Clarton for Harvestide. He hoped they wouldn’t mind if he stayed with them.

Max looked over his letter. He knew others were coming with him to Clarton, including Griffa and Ansel. He didn’t know where they would stay, but Max hoped he would be allowed to stay with Danin and Nora. He was sure Ansel had already written to Danin about housing needs.

Next, Max took out another piece of paper and started to write Issa. He had so much to say to her. He wanted to tell her about magic and Abscon. He wanted to talk to her about Griffa and Ansel and all he was learning from them. He wanted to tell her about everything, but in the end, he only said he was doing well and missed her. He said he would see her soon at Harvestide. He reminded her she had promised to go with him. He signed his name and sealed it along with the other letter.

There was a knock at the front door. Griffa came hurrying from out of the study. Max stood up and watched as she waked quickly through the parlor to the entry hall. Max waited for a moment as he heard laughter in the entry hall. A moment later Griffa came in on the arm of a man around her age. He was tall. He had black hair and brown eyes, and his face was long and thin. He was smiling widely at Griffa, showing off his deep dimples.

They walked up to Max, Griffa taking her arm away from the man.

“Talon, this is Max,” said Griffa

Talon bowed. “A pleasure to meet you. You are the one we’ve been hearing about, aren’t you? You are the young king.”

Max looked at Griffa. “He likes to be called Max, Talon. He hasn’t made a decision about this king business, yet,” said Griffa as she moved to stand next to Max.

“He will choose wisely,” said Ansel entering the room. “Good morning, Talon.”

“Ansel,” said Talon bowing again. “How good to see you. It’s been a while. I believe you spent a couple months recently in the Valley, and I didn’t see you once.”

“I was there on business with the protector’s guards. There wasn’t much time for socializing.”

Talon gave Ansel a small smile and then turned to Griffa. “How are we planning to spend our day before this party tonight?”

“Max and I were going to go out riding over the fields, if you would like to join us,” answered Griffa.

“If you have a horse I could borrow, I would love to ride with you,” grinned Talon. “I feel like it’s been an age since I’ve seen you, Griffa. You haven’t come to see me in a while.”

“No, I’ve been busy with matters here. You can of course, borrow a horse. Why don’t you go get settled in the room to the end of the hall next to Ansel? We can meet in an hour for a ride by the stables.”

“I will join you as well if you don’t mind,” offered Ansel walking closer to Griffa.

“Yes, come with us, Ansel,” insisted Talon. “We will have your king with us after all.”

“Talon, come with me,” said Griffa. “I’ll show you to your room.”

Max and Ansel watched as Talon followed Griffa out of the parlor.

“He seems nice enough,” said Max looking at Ansel.

Ansel’s only response was a deep breath before walking out of the room towards the study. Max sat down and grabbed a book off of the table next to him.

An hour later, Max hurried to the back door and found Griffa standing there looking out the window. He came up behind her and saw that two horses were waiting by the stables, saddled waiting for Griffa and Max. Talon was on top of a large chestnut horse. Ansel was already astride the stallion he had gotten from Danin. Griffa turned back and saw Max.

“I’ll be happy to get out of doors for a while. I’m glad Ansel decided to go with us. He’s been wanting to take Night Mist out for a ride,” said Griffa.

“Night Mist?” asked Max looking out the window.

“Yes, that is what Ansel has decided to name his new horse. He was able to buy it from Danin. The bay mare was purchased for you as well. I hope you like her,” said Griffa.

“Oh, yes, of course. Thank you, but it’s too much.”

Griffa waved him away. “Danin gave us a really good deal. In truth he wanted to give her to you, but I wanted to give Danin some kind of compensation for her. She is a lovely creature. Come on, Max,” said Griffa as she opened up the back door.

They strode down to the stables, and Max mounted his bay mare. He would have to think of a name for her. Griffa got on a pretty gray dappled horse named Breeze. The four took off for their ride. Griffa and Talon rode ahead together, with Max and Ansel following. Max could see Talon and Griffa talking animatedly. Max looked over at Ansel who was watching them both with narrowed eyes.

“You don’t seem to like Talon, Ansel,” observed Max.

“I like him fine. He is the leader of the Valley since his father died last year. You will need to get to know him.”

Ansel kicked his horse and caught up to Talon and Griffa. He rode by Griffa’s side. Max urged his horse on to ride next to Talon.

“Max,” said Talon turning to Max. “How do you like Abscon so far?”

“I like Abscon very much. I have really enjoyed training, and Griffa has been very welcoming, letting me stay in her home.”

“I’ll have to stay a few days and watch you train. The council in the Valley is very interested in your progress. You will have to visit us sometime,” said Talon. He turned to Griffa. “You should bring Max to the Valley soon. You have a house there.”

“When Max is further along in his training, we will consider it,” said Ansel. “He needs to focus at the moment.”

“I understand,” said Talon. “I’m very happy to be here for your Harvest Celebration. I haven’t been to a festival in Abscon in seven years.”

“I believe that is because the Valley is known for their celebrations,” said Griffa. “You might replace our standard affair dull.”

“No, I don’t think so,” grinned Talon. He looked at Griffa. “There is definitely something in Abscon that I replace very interesting.”

Max saw Griffa’s cheeks redden

“Are you going to dance with me tonight, Griffa?” asked Ansel as they turned away from the steam that ran through the field.

“Yes, if you would like. It’s become something of a tradition for you and me to dance the first dance together,” said Griffa brightly. She turned to Max. “Do you expect to dance much tonight, Max?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t thought much about it. I don’t know many people here. I will dance with you if you like, Griffa.”

“Of course, I want to dance with you, but I imagine you will be quite busy with the young ladies of the village.”

“I don’t know. I’m not a very good dancer. I wasn’t very popular at festivals in Clarton.”

“You are a king here, and it will make a difference.” Griffa smiled at Max and kicked her horse lightly, taking off.

“She’s right. I expect you will be popular tonight,” said Talon before he took off after Griffa.

Ansel looked at Max and nodded. He followed the others.

Max looked after them for a moment, wondering what the night would actually bring. He kicked his horse to catch up with Ansel, Griffa, and Talon

At the end of their ride, they headed back towards the manor when two other riders came up to them. Max recognized one as the beautiful Desmona. She was on a large, handsome flaxen chestnut horse with a blonde mane. The other rider was a tall man who looked about Griffa’s age. He had long ashy blond hair that was tied in a neat ponytail. His nose was a little crooked, but it did not hurt his appearance. His eyes were hazel and had long light-colored lashes. He was dressed in dark britches and a red tunic.

“Hello, Griffa, Ansel,” said the man. He was looking particularly at Griffa before he turned to Talon. “Talon, I didn’t realize you were coming to Abscon.”

“I wanted to visit with my friend here and meet our new king,” replied Talon.

“Oh, so this is our new king. A pleasure to meet you, your majesty.”

“This is Max,” said Griffa. “When did you get into town, Marcus?”

“Yesterday. Father decided to come down for the Harvest celebrations. We might stay a while. Mother has opened up the house. We will have to have you over for dinner, all of you,” he said with a smile.

“I trust you are all coming to the celebrations tonight?” asked Desmona, her gaze lingered on Ansel.

“Of course,” answered Griffa. “I suppose you want to secure a dance with dear Ansel?” Max noticed she was back to her falsely sweet tone.

Ansel muttered, “Griffa” under his breath.

“Of course, “said Desmona flashing her eyes at both Ansel and Max. “I would like to dance with our young king as well.”

Max looked at Desmona and felt like his heart would leap out of his chest. He felt enraptured, like he would do anything she would ask.

Talon coughed loudly.

“Stop it, Desma,” said Ansel. “Leave the poor boy alone.” Desmona cut her eyes to Ansel and smiled sheepishly. Max felt like a cold bucket of water had been dropped over his head.

“I meant no harm, Ansel. I just can’t help it sometimes,” Desmona said, coming closer to Ansel. Ansel backed his horse up in response.

“Griffa, I would like to dance with you if you would have me,” said Marcus coming closer to Griffa. “It’s been a long time, and I would like to catch up.”

“Of course, Marcus. I would be happy to dance with you.”

“Good. I will come claim you then at some point, maybe twice,” said Marcus flirtatiously.

Ansel cleared his throat. “We better get back to the house for lunch and then prepare for tonight.”

“We should be heading back too. I will expect that dance, Ansel. From you too, your majesty,” said Desmona smiling.

Max kept his head down to not look at her. She clicked her heels and her horse shot off. Marcus tipped the hat he was wearing to Griffa and followed after Desmona.

“Griffa, why did you do that? Why bait her?” asked Ansel “Now I have to dance with her.”

“She was going to claim a dance with you no matter what. I wanted her to get to the point. You need to do a better job of shielding poor Max from her charms,” said Griffa urging her horse forward. Max, Ansel, and Talon followed after her.

“You’re really going to dance with Marcus?” asked Ansel.

“Of course, we are old friends. Why wouldn’t I?” asked Griffa.

“He’s a Quick,” said Ansel. “His father has certain aspirations for his son.”

“So,” said Griffa.

“If you show him too much attention, people will talk,” said Talon. “I believe that is what Ansel is trying to say.”

“Let them talk. It will only be a dance. I’ve heard enough talk of Talon and me, and it does not matter. People talk about you and Desmona, you know. Does it bother you?” asked Griffa looking back at Ansel.

“No, I pay it no mind,” replied Ansel.

“Then neither shall I. Come on let’s get home. I am hungry.” She urged her horse on faster.

Talon looked at Ansel. “You don’t think she’s actually interested in Marcus Quick, do you?”

Ansel didn’t respond. He urged his horse on to catch up with Griffa.

“Come on, Max,” said Talon. “Come ride with me. Maybe we can unravel the mystery of the female mind.”

Max shrugged and rode back to the manor by Talon’s side.