Tales of Regventus : Adalwen
Chapter 23

Max felt happy but confused. He was glad to be home, but it didn’t feel much like home anymore. He was overjoyed to see Danin, and Nora, and of course, Issa, but everything felt different. Ansel and Griffa had been teaching him to feel the magic that existed all around him. He could still sense it here in Clarton, but it was weak. In Abscon, Max felt connected to everything. He felt life all around him. Everything seemed grayer here, less alive. Griffa had told him that magic was slowly fading from the kingdom. Out here away from Abscon, he could understand what she meant.

He tried to put it out of his mind and spend a pleasant morning visiting with Danin, Nora, and Issa. He was happy to answer their questions and talk about his time in Abscon. He told them about Griffa’s house and her stables. Danin had a lot of questions about the stables. MAx told them about Abscon and its weird houses and buildings. He talked about the folk he had met there. How they looked and talked like folk in Clarton yet were very different in many other ways.

Most of all Max talked about Griffa and Ansel. He told them how Ansel was wonderful at telling stories and so patient with him during training. He talked about how brilliant and brave Griffa was. How he wasn’t sure there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. He talked about how Maybell would cook them a big feast and then make them laugh at the table as they all ate together.

He felt like he talked all morning, but there was always more to say. As they approached mid-day, Nora started to work to put a meal together. Danin went to check on the stables as Max and Issa sat in the sitting room in silence. Max didn’t know why, but Issa seemed especially quiet and thoughtful.

“Will you go for a walk with me before lunch?” asked Max to Issa.

She nodded. They told Nora where they were going. Max helped Issa put on her simple gray cloak, and he put on his black one. They left through the front door and strolled towards the forest.

“Are you alright, Issa?” asked Max. “You’ve been quiet today.”

“You’ve changed so much, Max, in such a short time. It’s just a lot to take in,” answered Issa quietly.

“I haven’t changed that much. I am still the Max you know,” said Max as he took Issa’s hand. “I have missed you. I thought about you a lot in Abscon. Every time I saw something new, I wished you were there to see it with me.”

She smiled and squeezed his hand. “I’ve thought about you almost constantly, Max. Still, It seems like you are quite happy in your new home.”

“It’s just, I don’t know Issa. It just feels so right to learn magic. I do miss Clarton, and all of you, but I feel like I’ve found a part of myself that is missing,” said Max.

Issa dropped his hand and stopped walking. She turned to Max with tears in her eyes. He looked at her concerned.

“I am very happy for you, I am. I knew you were special, Max. I just wonder if I fit into your life at all now. I know that’s selfish. I know I should support you and want what’s best for you, but it’s hard,” said Issa as tears fell from her eyes.

“Issa, “said Max as he pulled her into his arms. She put her head on his shoulder, weeping. “You will always be a part of my life. I came back for Harvestide didn’t I?”.

“But you will go away again,” she said between sobs.

“I’m learning how to travel by magic. As soon as I can do it, I can visit you all the time. And one day I will take you to Abscon and when you see it, you will never want to leave.”

“But you won’t live in Abscon your whole life, will you? Aren’t you to be king and live in Aurumist?” asked Issa. She pushed out of Max’s embrace gently and stood in front of him.

“I haven’t really thought too much about it. I haven’t made a decision yet, but whatever happens, I want you to be a part of my life no matter what.”

Issa wiped her eyes with her hands and smiled at Max. “So, can you really do magic?” she asked.

“Only a little, I’m still learning. If you want to see real magic, you’ll have to ask Griffa or Ansel.”

“I’d like to see you do some, whatever you can. I didn’t even think magic existed,” said Issa.

“Ok, I’ll try. Don’t expect too much,” said Max.

He looked around and found a long stick. He picked it up and placed it in front of him. He checked to make sure no one was looking and placed his hand over the stick. He closed his eyes and breathed deep, trying to feel the magic all around him and in him. He opened his eyes and willed the stick to float into the air. It rose up off the ground and floated at Max’s knees.

Issa clapped and giggled. “Well done, Max. That is amazing!” She bent down to look closer at the stick.

Max made the stick turn over and moved it side to side before gently placing it down.

“What else can you do?” asked Issa with wide eyes.

“Not much. I’ve been trying to work on moving water and conjuring wind, but I’m not very good at it yet.”

“You’re too modest, Max. You have come a long way very quickly,” said Ansel as he walked up on Max and Issa. “It’s time to eat. I’ve been sent to fetch you two.” They walked back towards the cottage together.

“I just can’t believe magic actually exists. I thought it was just in stories,” said Issa as they walked back.

Ansel smiled, “It’s been hidden for a long time, but it’s always been here. Max will be quite a powerful magic user before long so he can show you all kinds of things.”

Issa looked at Max in wonder, and Max gave a small grin. They walked back to the cottage to warmth and a good meal.

It didn’t take long before Issa and Griffa formed a quick friendship. Their love of reading and mischief bonded them quickly. They spent the better part of the afternoon swapping stories. Issa would talk about the adventures her and Max had growing up and the trouble they would get into. Griffa would laugh and tease Max about them. Issa became very comfortable with Griffa and to a lesser extent Ansel. She even teased Ansel a bit after Griffa told stories from her youth.

“Where will you all sleep tonight?” asked Issa as they sat down to dinner at the cramped table.

“Max will sleep in his old room here. Ansel and I will replace space in the stable. We can replace ways to keep ourselves warm,” said Griffa. She suddenly colored as she looked around the table as everyone looked up at her. “I mean we can magic ourselves for warmth,” she added quickly.

Danin chuckled, “There is a small bedroom upstairs where Max used to sleep on warmer nights. Perhaps you could stay there, Griffa. I don’t have another bed, Ansel, but maybe you can figure something out with the hay.”

Ansel nodded and said, “I’ve slept in worse conditions.”

“Why don’t you stay with me, Griffa?” asked Issa. “My father is away tonight. He has gone to the West Village to help out a friend. It’s only me and our housekeeper, Milla. She won’t mind if you stay with us. There is a cot you could use, and that way Ansel will have a bed in the stable.”

“I would love to stay with you Issa, if it will not cause any trouble,” said Griffa happily.

“None at all. We can help each other get ready for the Harvestide party,” offered Issa as Griffa nodded.

They ate dinner and spent a cozy evening together. Ansel and Max decided to walk Griffa and Issa to Issa’s house.

The walked in pairs. Max thought Griffa was making Ansel walk faster to make sure they gave Issa and Max some time alone. Max could see Griffa talking animatedly while she hung on to Ansel’s arm. Ansel would nod his head and whisper something back to her.

“They seem quite cozy,” said Issa looking ahead at Griffa and Ansel.

“They’ve known each other Griffa’s whole life. They argue a lot, and Ansel gets aggravated with Griffa, but I think they care about each other more than anyone else in kingdom,” said Max.

They were quiet for a moment, slowly walking towards Issa’s home.

“Are you looking forward to tomorrow night?” asked Issa.

“Very much so. I went to a harvest celebration in Abscon, but I’ve been looking forward to this one the most,” answered Max.

“Why? I doubt anything here will compare to what you saw in Abscon.”

“Yes, but you weren’t there,” said Max.

“Oh,” said Issa as she leaned her head against Max’s shoulder.

He smiled and relished having her so close. He had missed her terribly. They reached the cottage and Griffa and Ansel were waiting by the door whispering to each other. Griffa laughed, and Ansel smiled.

“Bid your fair ladies goodnight,” said Griffa holding out her hand. Ansel rolled his eyes, but he took Griffa’s hand and made a big show of kissing it. Griffa laughed. “Your turn, Max.”

Max turned to Issa and took her hand. He kissed it gently. She reached up and kissed Max on the cheek. “Good night, Max.”

“Good night Issa,” he returned. The ladies went inside Issa’s home as Ansel and Max turned to walk back towards the stable and the cottage.

Max felt a huge smile spread on his face, and Ansel nudged him slightly.

The next day was spent helping Danin do chores in the stable. Ansel helped as well. Max knew Ansel couldn’t use the magic he normally would as there were other stable workers around. He told Max he didn’t mind the manual labor, but Max saw that Ansel wasn’t very good at it. He tried not to laugh at Ansel as he clumsily tried to move hay with a pitchfork.

Griffa and Issa came to visit the stable in the morning, but then excused themselves to go help Nora after a little conversation. They saw them at lunch, but Griffa and Issa left rather quickly after eating. As they left for Issa’s they said they would see Max and Ansel later when it was time to go to Harvestide.

“We will be at your door at sunset,” said Ansel. He then looked at Issa. “Don’t let Griffa be late. She enjoys making me wait.”

Issa giggled at this as Griffa said, “Am I not worth the wait?”

“Usually, but it’s aggravating,” Ansel answered looking at her.

“And that’s why I love to do it,” said Griffa as Ansel rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Soon after this Griffa and Issa left. Nora excused herself as well, saying she had to get ready for tonight.

“Why does it take girls so long to get ready? The party isn’t for several hours,” said Max

“I wouldn’t ever ask them. Just enjoy the results,” said Danin. Ansel nodded his head at this wisdom.

After eating, Ansel and Max went out to the edge of the forest to practice magic for a bit. Max was still trying to conjure winds with limited success. Before long, they went back to the cottage and stable to wash and dress. By sunset they were ready to go collect Issa and Griffa.

Both Max and Ansel dressed simply for the party to not stand out. Max wore some black pants and a gray tunic. Ansel was dressed in all black. They walked together to Issa’s house. Max was full of nervous anticipation, though he wasn’t sure why. He had spent countless hours with Issa, but he was very anxious to see Issa tonight and to dance with her.

They reached the cottage and knocked on the door. Issa’s father answered as he had returned that evening.

“Max, it is good to see you. I hear you’ve been apprenticing at an apothecary in the East Village. I didn’t know you were interested in healing.”

Max knew this is what Danin, Nora, and Issa were telling everyone for now.

“Yes, it’s been quite fascinating,” said Max as Edan Finn let them into his house. They all took a seat in the small but tidy sitting area.

“I rather like your apothecary mistress. She’s a little odd, but pleasant. Not bad to look at either. She must be very good at her craft. She gave me something to get rid of that itchy patch on my arm I’ve had for over a year. It worked almost instantly.”

“Yes, she’s very gifted,” agreed Max.

“And this is the other healer you work with?” asked Edan.

“Yes, this is Ansel. It is his shop.”

“Good to meet you. The ladies should be out in a minute.”

They talked for a few minutes more when they all three turned as Issa and Griff entered the room. Max could feel a big smile come over his face when he looked at Issa. She was wearing a simple white dress that had a high waste and came down in a simple skirt that reached the top of her slippers. It had lace on the hem. The sleeves were long and came down to her wrist. The neckline was scooped, and she wore a single strand of pearls. Her blonde hair was half up with the rest falling around her shoulders. Max thought she looked lovely.

Griffa walked in behind her in a simple cream-colored dress. It had a bit of a fuller skirt than Issa’s. The sleeves were sheer with little pearls sewn into the fabric. It had a v shaped neckline and she wore a silver pendant. Her hair was braided and rested on her left shoulder. Like usual some of her curls had come loose around her face. Max saw Ansel smile as he greeted her.

The four of them wished Edan a good night as he said he would prefer a night at home after traveling.

“Be good, Issa. Watch yourself, Max, behave.” He said half-jokingly. “Griffa keep an eye on them for me.”

Griffa smiled and said, “I’ll watch out for Max because I know Issa can take care of herself”

Edan laughed at this and sent the four on their way.

When they got to the community hall, it was full of people. The room was very merry with tables and chairs scattered throughout. Side tables where laden with food and drink everyone had brought to share. Pumpkins, wheat, and fall flowers were used as decorations. Many candles lined the walls and the tables. A roaring fire burned in the fireplace at the end of the room. There was an area to dance with a few musicians on a small platform. The music had already begun, and couples twirled together to a happy tune.

“This looks like a party,” said Griffa. “Come on Ansel, let’s dance.”

“Already?” asked Ansel, but he allowed Griffa to drag him out onto the floor.

Max looked at Issa. She turned to him with a bright smile that took his breath away.

“Issa,” he said, “Will you dance with me?”

“That’s why we’re here,” Issa said happily. He led her out on the floor and despite Max’s less than graceful dancing, they enjoyed themselves.

As the night went on the party got merrier and merrier. Everyone danced. Ansel danced with Issa and Nora, and even some village woman who grabbed his hand and led him to the floor.

Griffa danced with Max and Danin. A few other men walked near her, but none of them could seem to get up the nerve to talk to her. Griffa didn’t seem to mind. She spoke with Issa and teased Max. She laughed at Ansel and enjoyed the food and drink.

Ansel was dancing with Nora, and Issa was dancing with a boy from her lessons. Max was standing next to Griffa, watching the dancers when the music stopped, and a crowd of people came in the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stood or sat still wherever they were.

“It’s Bernot, the Viceroy of The Great Surrounding. He always makes an appearance at each ring’s party. He comes here last and stays not more than twenty minutes,” Max whispered to Griffa.

She nodded. Max felt himself grow confused a not just Bernot walked in, but also another older man with many chains around his neck. There were also several Aurumist soldiers with the group.

“Good evening everyone,” said Bernot addressing the room. “I am so happy to wish you a good Harvestide. I will not take up too much of your grand celebration, but I wanted to introduce a special guest. This is Till, the Viceroy of Aurumist and the right hand of our Lord Kedan.”

There were loud murmurs throughout the room.

“I am very glad to visit you this Harvestide,” said Till. “I send greetings from your Lordship. He wishes you a prosperous harvest and that the Ancients will guide you through the winter.”

Till was handed a glass of mead. Wine and mead were passed out throughout the room. Griffa took a glass of wine and Max a glass of mead. When everyone had a drink Till raised his glass and said, “To his Lordship, may he guide us for many years.”

The crowd raised their glasses and said, “To Lord Kedan.”

Griffa raised her glass and whispered to Max, “To you Max whether you chose to be our king or not.” She took a long drink, draining her glass. Max slightly tipped his glass to her and took a sip.

The music started up again and the dancers went back to dancing. Max continued to watch Issa, but snuck glances at Griffa. She was watching Till, and she looked concerned.

“Are you okay, Griffa?” asked Max.

“How often does Viceroy Till come to The Great Surrounding?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve never heard of him being here before.”

“I haven’t either, something is happening,” Griffa said as she strained her head to keep up with Till’s movements.

Max started watching them too. Before long, Till, Bernot, and two soldiers had made their way to Griffa and Max.

“Good evening,” said Till smiling at Griffa. Max watched as Till’s eyes raked over Griffa appreciatively. “What a wonderful party. Are you from the area? I believe I heard a few say you were a visitor.”

“Yes,” said Griff with a large false smile. “I am from the East Village, and I am here with my apprentice to visit his family.”

“How very generous of you to bring him here,” said Bernot with a smile.

“Yes, it is,” agreed Till. “You should appreciate such generosity, boy.”

“He is a hard worker. Hard work deserves a reward, don’t you think viceroy?” asked Griffa, still smiling at Till.

“Of course. What are you learning to do?” Bernot asked Max.

“Apothecary,” Max said quietly. “I’m learning to be a healer.”

“Excellent,” exclaimed Bernot. “I hope once you learn you will replace your way back here to Clarton. We can always use good healers.”

“I’m surprised to see you here Viceroy Till,” ventured Griffa. “I didn’t know you came all the way to The Great Surrounding for Harvestide. Aren’t you missing the city’s festivities?”

Till smiled at Griffa showing his teeth. “It is a bit unusual, but Bernot invited me, and we are old friends. I have longed to see how other lands celebrate the harvest.”

“Indeed? I wasn’t sure people from Aurumist even knew other lands existed. You all seem to think the whole kingdom revolves around you,” said Griffa.

“You are quite young to speak your mind so. In fact, you seem a little young to have an apprentice,” questioned Till addressing Griffa. “Is it just you and the boy?”

“No, they are with me,” stated Ansel as he walked over.

“Oh, this must be your husband,” said Bernot. “Charming wife you have here.”

“Yes, quite a beauty for the East Village. She is very talkative,” said Till looking Griffa over. There was something in his eyes that Max did not like.

“And you can see why I will have to ask you to excuse us so I can dance with my charming wife,” said Ansel, taking Griffa’s hand and giving her a look.

“Oh, I was hoping to ask her to dance so we could continue our very interesting conversation,” said Till. “Surely you wouldn’t mind one dance.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t. It is quite an honor,” said Bernot.

“No,” insisted Ansel staring at Till. “It is late and I’m sure you have more important things to do then dance with this lady. I’m sure you feel quite tired and need to go home.”

Till blinked his eyes quickly. His eyes narrowed and his smile faltered, but he composed himself quickly. “I think you are right. Come on Bernot. Let’s finish our round and leave.”

Bernot looked confused but bowed and followed Till.

“Come on, wife, let’s dance,” snapped Ansel. He looked angrily at Griffa. “Max, Issa is waiting for you over by the drinks. I’m sure she would like to dance with you again as well.”

Griffa looked daggers at Ansel, but she let him lead her to the dance floor. Max was sure they were about to have quite a row while dancing. He sought out Issa who was indeed by the drinks.

“Issa, would you like to dance again?” asked Max when he had found her.

“If you don’t mind, Max. I would like to take a quick breather outside. It is hot in here.”

“Let’s go outside then,” offered Max. “We can walk over by that tree where we used to eat lunch before lessons.

Issa smiled and nodded.

They walked out the door. Issa took Max’s hand as they walked slowly to the tree.

“That feels much better,” said Issa breathing in the night air. “I felt like I might faint in there.”

“It was hot. Strange to see the Viceroy of Aurumist at the party,” said Max.

“It’s never happened before, but he seemed alright. Why, did something happen?”

“Nothing much. He and Griffa exchanged some words, but Ansel came over before it could go too much further. I’m sure Ansel’s getting an earful right now.”

Issa smiled. “I tried to speak to her last night about Ansel, but it is the one thing she won’t talk about. She’s very open and at times too blunt about some things, but when it comes to Ansel, she will only say he is an old family friend.”

Max sighed. They got to the tree and Issa leaned against the trunk. “You’re leaving again in the morning,” she said sadly.

“Yes, but I’m going to work very hard at magical travel. Soon I’ll be able to visit you all the time.”

“I hope so, but it feels like I might not see you for quite a while. Will you write to me more this time?” she asked.

“Every day if that is what you want. You will have to write to me too. Surely the pigeon can bring a letter back to me,” said Max. He leaned one arm on the tree next to Issa.

“I will, but I bet you will have much more to say than me. I will probably bore you.”

“You could never bore me,” whispered Max leaning closer to Issa. She smiled nervously.

“Issa, remember that no matter what happens, I will always want you in my life. Whatever happens don’t forget that.”

She nodded and gazed at Max. Max leaned in and gently brushed her lips with his. She moved forward and put her lips more firmly on Max’s. Max started to deepen the kiss when he heard Ansel calling his name. Max and Issa quickly broke apart.

“Max!” yelled Ansel, coming closer to the tree.

“He’s fine Ansel. He’s with Issa, I think we should leave them alone for a moment,” stressed Griffa chasing after Ansel. She sounded angry.

Max was annoyed his first real kiss with Issa had been interrupted but he called out, “Over here, Ansel.”

“See they are fine, and we did interrupt something. I told you,” huffed Griffa angrily at Ansel.

Ansel turned to Griffa with fire in his eyes, but Issa spoke first.

“No, it’s fine,” said Issa. “I was just hot, and we went for a walk outdoors.”

“I think it’s time to go home,” said Ansel.

Issa nodded and stood up straight. Max glared at Ansel, but he took Issa’s arm and started walking her home. Griffa followed just behind them, with Ansel bringing up the rear. They were both silent, but Max could tell they were in bad moods.

Max didn’t sleep well, but he was up in time to leave. Nora fed them breakfast. She and Danin walked them to the door. Nora cried a little and kissed Max’s cheek, and Danin clapped his shoulders and wished him well. Issa was to walk with them to watch them leave.

“I will see you soon, and I will write more often,” said Max to Nora and Danin.

Griff and Ansel walked with Max and Issa to the edge of the forest. Neither had spoken a word to each other the entire morning.

When they arrived just within the trees, Ansel said, “It’s time to go, Max. Goodbye, Issa.”

Griffa went up to Issa and kissed her on her cheek. “Goodbye, write to me.” Issa nodded.

Next Max went to Issa. “I will see you soon. I will work hard every day to be able to visit you. Remember what I said last night.”

Issa nodded with tears in her eyes. She kissed Max softly on his lips. Max grinned at her and then walked to stand in between Griffa and Ansel. He waved, and then closed his eyes. Ansel and Griffa put their hands on Max’s shoulder and the world faded away.