Tales of Regventus : Adalwen
Chapter 22

Ansel sat on the ground outside watching Griffa teach magical travel to Max. Magical travel was something every magic user needed to learn. It made life much easier and could get you out of all kinds of trouble. While he probably wouldn’t be able to do it by himself for a while yet, it would help to get him used to it before they left for Clarton.

“Okay, Max, think of that tree in the field that I showed you, said Griffa. “Close your eyes and envision the tree. See it in your mind, every detail. Imagine the color of the bark and the uneven ground around you. Reach out and imagine touching the bark, feel its roughness. Feel your feet standing on the uneven ground. Now I’m going to touch you, and we are going to travel together.”

Griffa reached out and put her hand on Max’s shoulder, they disappeared without a noise, only a slight disturbance in the air. Ansel waited a few minutes before the air moved around him, and they reappeared.

“That felt really weird,” said Max.

“You get used to it, “said Ansel standing up and dusting off his pants. We will both help you tomorrow when we go to Clarton. You will just need to trust us and envision where we are going. Griffa hasn’t visited Danin’s, but she’s been to Clarton. I explained to her the forest outside of Danin’s in detail so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Max nodded. “Will it feel different, going a longer distance?”

“No,” said Griffa. “But it will take a little bit longer so you may get nervous. Just trust us, and where we are going.”

Max nodded.

“Okay Max are you ready to try again?” asked Griffa. Max nodded but before they could begin, Jonthon walked over to them from inside the house.

“Miss Gryphon, there is a visitor at the house who wishes to speak with you,” said Jonthon.

“Who is it, Jonthon?” Griffa asked, sounding a little annoyed.

“It is Marcus Quick,” answered Jonthon.

“Oh, very well. Ansel, can continue with you, Max? I’ll be back soon.”

She walked off with Jonthon back towards the house. Ansel followed her progress with his eyes, staring at the house long after she had gone inside.

It was the third time Marcus had come for an afternoon visit in the past week. Ansel wished the visits would cease. Maybe if Griffa wasn’t so friendly with him. She had said she wasn’t interested in marrying him, but Ansel wondered if she was serious. Was she having second thoughts? He knew it should be fine for her to marry Marcus. Marcus was nice enough, and he came from a good family. Griffa’s father would have approved if Griffa was happy with Marcus. Ansel knew he would have to be happy for her if that’s the life she chose. He was determined he would be. Griffa’s happiness was one of the most important things to him in the world.

“Ansel, are you ready to try?” asked Max.

“Yes, of course,” answered Ansel. He took his eyes off the house and put them back on Max.

They spend the next hour traveling between places in the village and the backyard. Ansel only wanting Max to get used to the sensation, and learn to trust others to take him by magical travel. As they were finishing up and ready to go in the house, Griffa came stomping out into the back yard.

“What’s wrong, Griffa?” asked Max, meeting her halfway.

“He actually asked me to marry him, can you believe it? He was so sure I would say yes. When I politely told him no, he said he wouldn’t give up. No matter what I said he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He left but is determined to keep trying,” said Griffa, her face was very red.

“He will have to get the point eventually,” said Ansel.

“I am so glad we are leaving tomorrow, even if it is just for two days. If it wasn’t for Max, I would go spend some time in the forest,” huffed Griffa. “Why are men so confident they can get whatever they want? Ugh, come on we need to get inside to eat and get packed.”

They ate a nice dinner together though Griffa wasn’t in the best mood. After dinner they went up to their rooms to pack. Ansel threw in some pants and tunics and a nicer pair of boots for the party into a small case. Before long he was done and went back downstairs to replace Griffa sitting by herself, staring into the fire. She was taking small sips of wine and looking sad. He sat down in a chair next to her.

“Ansel, do you think I’m making a mistake not saying yes to Marcus?” asked Griffa.

Her cheeks were a little flushed, making Ansel think she had drunk more wine than she usually did.

“Maybe I should have said yes to Talon. I’m not sure he was serious, but did you know he said I should marry him?”

“He did mention it to me, and I think he was serious. Why do you ask if you are making a mistake Griffa? Did you want to marry Marcus or Talon?” Ansel swallowed a lump in his throat?” Do you love either man?”

Griffa took a sip of wine and seem to think over his questions.

“I do not love Marcus. I do like him, Ansel, but I do not love him. I do love Talon, but I am not in love with him, not in the way a wife should be with her husband. He is a dear friend, but I don’t know if I could ever completely trust him with my heart. You have seen how he acts for yourself.

“I could see enjoying either man’s company at times. I think I would get tired of Marcus quickly, but if I were to marry Talon it would not be a miserable existence. Much of it would be very pleasant. You were right the other night. I will have to see to the legacy of the family. I will have to marry and have children eventually. I know I’m not like another magical folk, Ansel. I know some people think I’m wild or unmannered. What if this was my only chance to marry?”

“Griffa you shouldn’t have to settle for someone you will just like. You are young, there will be other young men.”

“What if I don’t want any of them, Ansel? What if no one else wants me?” She paused for a moment. “Do you plan to marry, Ansel?”

Ansel took a moment to consider the question. “I’ll have to or at least have children if the line of protectors is to go on. I, like you Griffa, am an only child.”

“I don’t know if I can imagine you married to some magical lady like Desmona,” said Griffa.

“It will be no one like Desmona,” said Ansel. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

“But it will be someone, someday.” She paused and continued to stare at the fire. “Ansel, in the forest we talked about us. Do you think we could ever have a chance?”

Ansel shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Griffa certainly didn’t shy away from important conversations.

“I don’t know, Griffa. I’m a bit older than you. I’m definitely under you in family rank. You are a Keene. I couldn’t imagine what people in Abscon would say about a Keene carrying on with someone like me.”

“You know what society thinks doesn’t affect me in the slightest. Besides, you are the protector of the kingdom, and you age doesn’t bother me. If me being too young bothers you, or if you don’t feel that way about me, you can let me know. It’s just that when we kissed that one night, and when we are alone sometimes, I think you might, and I might…”

“I know. I can’t lie to you and tell you I don’t think about it sometimes as well. I can’t give you an answer right now. I won’t tell you to wait. I will always be here for you, Griffa, no matter what happens, even if you marry Marcus.”

She smiled slightly. “But not Talon?”

“Even, Talon,” said Ansel rolling his eyes.

“Thank you, Ansel. She stood up a little shakily. I think I’ll go to bed early. We have a big two days coming up.”

She walked out of the room. Ansel watched her go, wishing he had said more to her.

Ansel continued to sit in his chair, staring at the fire. He couldn’t give her an answer, but he wished he could. He knew he had feelings for Griffa, but he was still trying to figure out what those were. He cared for her deeply, and he was attracted to her. Ansel thought he could easily fall in love with her, but something held him back.

Part of the problem was he felt he wasn’t good enough for her. Someone in his position would never presume to marry Gryphon Keene, the head of the Keene family. Beyond that, his life sometimes seemed like a series of mistakes. Griffa was lively, brave, and good. Ansel was cautious and quiet. When he did talk, he often said the wrong thing. He stayed by the fire well into the night thinking about Griffa and his future.

The next day dawned gray, and Ansel felt like he had barely slept. He came downstairs and into the dining room to replace Max and Griffa eating and talking merrily.

“Good morning!” said Griffa happily as she put her teacup down. “Come eat, we need to leave soon. I know a young lady who won’t want us to wait all day for us to bring her Max to come see her.”

Max turned red and smiled sheepishly. Ansel sat down and poured some tea. He grabbed some toast and spread some jam on it. Max excused himself to get ready to go, practically skipping out of the room.

“Did you sleep at all, Ansel?” asked Griffa, looking at him.

“A little,” Ansel grunted in return.

“I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have put that on you.”

“Never be sorry for telling the truth, Griffa,” said Ansel, looking at her.

She smiled sadly.

Ansel ate his breakfast and drank his tea in silence while Griffa excused herself to go get the things she needed for her journey. Soon they were ready to go. Maybell saw them out the back door and onto the back lawn.

“Max, pick up your case,” said Ansel holding his own. “Griffa and I will each put a hand on your shoulder. You need to envision Danin’s house clearly. Trust us to take you there.”

Max nodded as Griffa smiled at him, holding her own little case.

“Some of my protector’s guards will come today as well. They will meet in the forest outside Clarton and keep an eye on things from afar,” said Ansel.

“Are you ready, Max?” asked Griffa. Max nodded. “Then close your eyes and envision where you want to go.”

Ansel put a hand on Max’s shoulder, and Griffa put her hand on his other one. Ansel looked at her, and she nodded. Soon they were traveling, the familiar swooping feeling taking over his stomach. Ansel felt the wind in his face as colors went by. Before long, they landed on the ground outside of Danin’s cottage in an area protected from anyone’s view by three large trees.

“Open your eyes, Max,” said Ansel. “We are here.”

Max’s nostrils flared, and he opened his eyes. A huge smile spread over his face.

“Come on, Max,” said Griffa leading him to the door of the cottage.

Max knocked, and Nora answered the door. She looked up at Max and squealed.

“Max, oh Max!” Nora exclaimed as she pulled Max into a hug. “You are here! Danin, he’s here!”

Griffa looked over at Ansel with a wide smile on her face as Danin appeared at the door.

“Hello, my boy! Come on, Nora, let him go. Let them all come inside.”

Nora looked up and noticed there were two other people outside her door. She glanced at Ansel, and then her eyes landed on Griffa. She startled for a second but recovered quickly. “Yes, yes, come in all of you.”

Griffa thanked her and walked in the door followed by Ansel.

“What a charming cottage,” said Griffa as she looked around the small sitting area and kitchen. She took a deep breath. “It smells heavenly in here. What are you baking?”

“Nora is making her bread for Harvestide. It’s the best bread in the third ring at least,” said Danin’s smiling. “Please sit down.”

Griffa took a chair by the small fireplace, and Ansel sat in the chair next to her. Max continued to stand as Danin sat on the other side of Griffa. Nora went into the kitchen to prepare tea.

Danin stared at Griffa for a second before introducing himself. “I’m Danin, and you are Griffa I believe? Max has written to us about you. It is kind of you to let him stay in your home.”

“It is no bother. Max is a delight,” said Griffa.

Nora came over and sat some tea in front of Griffa. Griffa thanked her and took a sip.

Ansel and Griffa sat silently while Nora and Danin caught up with Max. Before long there was another knock at the door.

“You should get the door, Max,” said Nora. “I believe that will be someone wanting to see you.”

Griffa perked up at this and turned her head towards the door. Max walked over and opened the door. Ansel heard a yelp and suddenly saw Max stagger backwards with someone who had a lot of blond hair in his arms.

“Issa,” cried Max.

“Oh Max, I am so happy you are here!” gushed Issa as Max sat her down on her feet.

“Come here, I want you to meet someone.” He brought Issa over to Ansel and Griffa.

“You remember, Ansel I’m sure,” said Max. Ansel gave Issa a small nod while she dropped a quick curtsy. “And this is Griffa.” Griffa smiled widely at Issa while Issa’s eyes went wide.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Issa. Max has told us a lot about you. All of it is good,” said Griffa standing up.

Issa gave a small smile. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Come on, Ansel. Why don’t we take a walk and let them all reconnect? I would love to see the shops in the second ring.”

Ansel stood up and followed Griffa to the door. The others waved them off merrily, and they went out into the cool day to tour the second ring of Clarton.

The village was busy. People were running here and there preparing for Harvestide. Dressmakers had new dresses hanging in their window as women and girls went in and out the door. The butcher was busy as people bought meat to prepare and share at the parties. The vegetable carts were quickly becoming empty. Ansel and Griffa dodged people as they walked. Ansel was glad they had dressed to blend in, but they still got strange looks from people as they passed. Griffa always seemed to stand out wherever she went.

“I’m glad you thought to give Max some time alone with his friends,” said Ansel.

“This way they can talk freely without worrying what we will think. He can say how I pester him, and you work him too hard,” said Griffa looking at some fresh herbs in a shop window.

“It’s true about me, but I don’t think Max could say a bad word about you. He’s smitten with you,” said Ansel grinning at Griffa from under his hat.

Griffa swatted her hand in the hair. “Max and I have fun together, but he has eyes for only one young lady. I hope he is enjoying her company now.”

“He is in awe of you, then. He looks at you like you are some sort of deity.”

“It’s a nice break for me from your disapproving frowns, then,” said Griffa teasingly

Ansel shook his head, smiling “I don’t know where you ever got it in your head that I disapprove of anything you do.”

They made their way around the ring, looking at the many shops. When they walked by the opening to the first ring, they saw an unwelcome sight.

“Aurumist soldiers here, too?” whispered Griffa hurriedly. “This can’t be good.”

“No, it can’t. There don’t seem to be many of them, and they only seem to be guarding the first ring. Maybe somebody important from Aurumist is visiting,” observed Ansel.

“We will have to be careful with Max. I know they don’t know who he is, but there seems to be rumors everywhere. I don’t trust everyone in Abscon to keep their mouths shut,” said Griffa nervously.

“Come on, let’s get back to Max. I want to talk to the guards in the forest on the way.”

Griffa nodded and they made their way quickly back to the third ring.