I won't go into detail about the trip I was on with Matthew but I will say that it was the happiest I have ever felt in my life. The days were spent following a cleared dirt path, talking with Matthew about all his adventures in different towns, eating simple food we found foraging or had stored away and enjoying the bit of freedom I had on this magnificent trip. Unfortunately, Matthew never discussed Lord Duvan or of Conkett which was to be my new home, and when asked about it, he would often say "you'll see soon enough" or "don't want to ruin the surprises for ya".
The trip took a total of five days. Matthew pointed out a few towns and their traditions along the way but we couldn't stop any of them due to the fact that I couldn't enter them. He reassured me he planned to visit them after he left me at Conkett. He claimed that they usually sought out the same resources we did in those towns but when it came closer to winter when he would visit the towns which were typically warmer, his trades were plentiful and he got a high price for the things we traded with him. We also seeked out the supplies he got from the southern towns as well and he would get a high price for them. "Full circle" he would say and laugh at his own joke. "I go in a full circle and the trades end up being a full circle too. I get a pretty penny sometimes from this business, but I will always wish I can settle down like you."
The most interesting conversation I had was on the fourth day when we passed the town of Manchol, the last before we ended up in Conkett. Matthew was telling me how they were able to choose their spouses, but their lottery involved who will have children that year. I was surprised by the simple but drastic changes and wondered if that would have worked in our town.
"If I could pick a place to live it would be Manchol. Lord Duvan is the one who came up with that tradition for them. He also watches over some of the other places but I am not sure which ones." He scratched his head and kept his eyes on the road, making sure his team was going the right way. "He is the only other person I know who actually can leave his area and visit others. He is the one to come up with this trading post as well. Smart man, Duvan."
I started with that and gazed longingly at Matthew, hoping for once he will not dodge the question that sprung in my head. "How does he leave?" I whispered, afraid to be rejected again.
Matthew laughed. "He is the one with the tricks. Your contract there comes from him so he is the one who can choose who he can keep in a place or gives permission to travel. My contract is in his hands but he can tear it up and keep me in a place if he thinks that's beneficial to him."
I frowned at his statements. "Is it magic?"
Matthew laughed which caused the horses ears to twitch. "Nah, I just think it is just the way things are. He's in charge of this county and as far as I know the other two Lord's are in charge of theirs. You're lucky to be working with Duvan, he has a good head on his shoulders. The other two pay no mind to anyone but themselves."
I nodded trying to pretend I had an idea what he was saying about the other Lords but I
was honestly bored of the conversation and decided to focus on the warm spring day and the nice view of freedom that laid a path before me.
Once the fifth day was up, Matthew stopped the team early and set the team to feeding even before the sun set. Seeing that I was confused by the change of schedule, he quickly told me that we were taking a longer day to rest since the estate was only another hour from where we were setting up camp.
"I don't want you being introduced late in the day," he announced. "We will go at sun-up
and then you can have the whole day to get used to the place and the people there." I felt my stomach drop from nervousness but I also felt a bit excited at the prospect of staying in a grand place like an estate. I helped Matthew set up camp for the night and prepared a meal of vegetable stew from the vegetables he had in the back of his wagon. We took that last day and sat in silence, admiring the beautiful fire and the serenity of the sacred place outside of the estate.
I didn't sleep well that night due to the anticipation of what the next day was going to bring. I helped Matthew pack up the camp at dusk and was disappointed when he said that we will be having our breakfast at the estate. All too quickly, we were back on the dirt path to bring me to the estate.
If you never had a moment to marvel at the turning point in a life, you are missing out on the most glorious experience. When the trees parted on our path and I got a view of the estate, I felt an overwhelming sensation over the fact that I was going to be a part of a brand new life, one full of experiences I have never had or felt before. I was so enthralled by the beauty of the stone exterior and the green voluptuous grounds and I was truly fascinated that I was going to be living there. My mind was swimming with new ideas and possibilities as we drove closer, and to my surprise, it really did get bigger as we cleared some trees. Matthew was silently driving the team forward and I sat back with anticipation to get ready for the next chapter of my life.
We drove up to the right hand side of the estate where there was another smaller building off to the side. Matthew stopped the wagon and hopped down, leaving me to continue sitting up on the bench without providing assistance. To my frustration, I decided to help myself down and clumsily climbed off the bench and stood by one of the horses to pet it casually.
To my surprise, Matthew left the wagon and me there and went into the building without so much as a knock. Feeling the fluttering in my chest, I continued to pet the noses of the horses and waited impatiently for Matthew to return.
"How are the most beautiful girls in the world" cooed a voice, coming from the other side of the wagon. I froze in place, stopping the petting immediately. No one has ever called me beautiful before and especially not a stranger.
"I think I have some treats for you if you behave" said the voice, chuckling at his own comment. My surprise turned to anger. Who dared speak to a woman like that. I admit, I wasn't the most obedient woman I knew, but I would never have "misbehaved" like this man suggested. I took my hands off the horse and stepped around them to reach the other side of the wagon.
My presence startled the man who made those comments and I jumped at the suddnessess of his movements. To my surprise, the man who stood in front of me was surprisingly handsome and younger than I was expecting. He was very tall, comfortably matching the horses in height. He stared widely at me with his big hazel eyes and in my own mind, I found it hilarious that this broad tall man was more startled than me.
Putting both hands in front of him, like he was caught stealing something, he finally spoke "Sorry ma'am. I didn't see you there."
I raised my hands up as well, more to calm the man in front of me instead of defending myself. "I admit, I was very confused as to why you wanted me to behave when we are now just meeting."
Hearing my lightened comment, he lowered his hands and brushed one large hand through his brown hair with embarrassment. "I'm sure that it must have sounded quite strange. I'll make a note not to talk to you like I talk to these gals here."
I broke out into a smile and took a step forward. "That's a shame sir, I like treats too!"
The man broke out in a laugh and stepped forward as well to dig in his pocket. "I mean, I can give you an apple if you want one. However, if I am to share my personal treats, I need to know who is getting them."
"I'm Lisbeth," I said smiling even wider. The man mocked bow, with an apple extended to me.
"I'm Gavan." He threw the apple at me, causing me to awkwardly catch it in my hands. "I'm assuming you are here for the post?" he asked as he took another small apple from his pocket.
Reaching out the apple to the closest horse, she snuffed at it before taking it from the palm of my hand. I smiled at Gavan who did the same to Matthew's other horse. "That is why I am here."
Petting the horse's nose, he said politely "I welcome you then to Conkett. I hope you will find this place as wonderful to live as I do."
Thrilled by his announcement, I felt excited at my prospect being here and felt that I made the right choice in coming here. I already felt at ease being with Gavan and if everyone was like him, I think I would even make friends here.
While smiling at my good fortune, I saw Matthew leave the building and head towards us, a small frown forming on the corners of his lips. Gavan didn't notice and smiled to Matthew with an arm extended for a handshake.
"Matthew, always great to see you!" he said with his hand extended. Matthew gave his back and shook it silently.
"Want me to take care of the girls for you?" asked Gavan as he withdrew his hand. If he noticed anything amiss, he didn't act like it, his smile being so wide and welcoming that even Matthew's shoulders dropped a little.
"That would be great Gavan. I'll be taking the girl with me to Lord Duvan. I will not be staying past breakfast but a nice rub down would be appreciated."
Slighted by the impersonal title of "girl" I went to grab my supplies from the back of the wagon and followed after Matthew who went directly back into the house. Trying to keep my supplies and Matthew's donations to the estate balanced on my back, I was slouching forward and didn't get much of a view but beautiful tiled floors that scattered the entryway, which alone seemed bigger than my house's layout. Before continuing onward, I felt Matthew step closer to me and I tried to glance up to him with no avail since my pack was so heavy.
"Look, Lisbeth" he started, whispering so quietly I had to strain to hear him. "I know you are young and new to this kind of lifestyle but let me give you a word of warning." He took a breath and waited a second before continuing on. "When it comes to Lord Duvan, he has an odd way of making sure his household staff is focused on his attentions and his alone. This may seem strange but it is unwise for you to be talking or spending time with the other staff in the estate, unless you are asked to work directly with them. Lord Duvan is your master, but he is also your friend, family and fills all the other roles you might need. If you want peace and tranquility, I suggest you remember that."
I tried my best to look at Matthew to read his face but saw him continuing on. I followed after but was very confused by his warning and wondered what he meant by "roles". Trying my best to keep up, Matthew spoke to me in a normal tone again.
"You will be staying in the servants quarters, Emily has set everything up in there and you can tidy up before being presented to Lord Duvan. When you are presented to him, we will have breakfast and then I'll be on my way." Matthew opened a swinging door that led down a narrow hallway. Taking small steps to keep my pack balanced from the weight, I struggled to keep up with him as he opened another door that led to the kitchen. Smelling the wonderful aroma of melting butter, I paused in the fact that I will probably be smelling that luxury daily now that I lived here. That thought quickly popped as I realized Matthew was climbing stairs, making me nervous to follow after him.
"Matthew, should I leave your belongings down here so you can present it?" I asked, hopeful he might say yes.
"Nah, bring it up, you can give it to him" said Matthew as he quickly climbed, skipping two steps at a time. Grumbling under my breath, I braced myself and climbed slowly up, trying not to let any of it fall. By the end, a piece of fabric floated out of the bag, but I was pleased that I lost only one item on the trek up the stairs. Hoping no one will notice, I followed Matthew through the small hall where four sets of doors stood. Three doors were closed, but the one that was open had Matthew hovering in the doorframe, waiting for me.
"This will be your room. Uniform is on the bed, the washing bowl should be full of warm water and soap and towel is available there too. Brush your hair and bring the stuff down when ready. Try to be quick, I'm starving."
Nodding at Matthew, I entered the room and dropped the load onto the floor, relieved that the weight was off my back. I took a quick look before trying to turn and thank Matthew, but he was already gone. Saddened by his harsh treatment since I got here, I took a quick look at the clean ivory sheets, the looking mirror hung from the wall, a pretty painting of a tree during a sunrise above my bed and the washing table which had everything I needed from soap, towels and a wooden brush. The dress laid on my bed was plain and light gray but the feel of it was pleasant to touch and by glance, appeared close to my size. Seeing this glimpse into the future, I knew I was ready to meet this Lord Duvan.