Mom continued to hold my hand with her calloused hands. My mom wasn't what most people would consider beautiful. Her hair was short and a plain brown color. She wasn't well rounded, but instead tall, slim, and muscular. Standing six feet tall, and around 200 pounds, she was broad shouldered, slim of waist, and intimidating to most people who didn't know her. Her figure didn't draw the attention of many men as she didn't have the curves of a tavern wench, nor was she known for mincing words. On top of this, despite having access to healers for her entire career, her face and other exposed skin showed a large number of healed scars. She thought they added character. She also told us she thought the scars would intimidate those who might want to start trouble with her, dad, or the family. So far, she was correct. With one look, most people would wither in front of her, including some of the toughest mercenaries who have come through town in the past. Even without knowing her prowess in battle, few would try to accost her for however many coins she may have had hidden about her.
Those who did know mom knew she was a full weapons master. She was equally adept with a great two-handed sword as she was with a bow or any other weapon you placed in front of her. Even if it wasn't a weapon, in Mom's hands, anything, including a wooden mug could be deadly. Despite being dressed in her casual leathers instead of her heavy metal armor, she likely had dozens of blades hidden about her, some for throwing, the others for hand-to-hand combat. There were also a few narrow items which could poke holes in a person, and at least one narrow leather strip with toggles on the ends for grips. She also had one made from a bow string and a crossbow wire. both with toggles to prevent hurting her hands. She called them garrotes. I've never seen her use them, so I don't know their exact uses, but when she and dad would have a heated discussion, just pulling one of them out of its hiding place and twirling it around by one of the toggles was enough for him to see her point of view. These were just a few of the known weapons mom kept on hand.
"Von, I talked with my superior, and Jayr will be coming to visit. He said he can't make any guarantees until he talks with the healers who have examined you already then examines you himself. In return, I have given my word I would remain in my current position for at least ten years, unless someone or something kills me. For you, it's worth the trade. Once you are healed, or at least examined, I will be moving into a residence in Marsgate, and you and your father will move in as well. Since they have been like family for over a dozen years, I have received permission for the Coopers to join us as the villa I have been offered is large enough to house several families. It is so large, with so many bedrooms, your father took over three hours just to locate the master bedroom after I told him I'd be expecting him." With that, mom exhibited a mischievous smile.
"Wow, so not only will I get healed, but I'll get to move away from Michael Duncan all the way to the capital. That's great! You and your family get to come too, Mon! That makes it better than great! That makes it perfect!" I couldn't be happier. I'll get to see the big city, something bigger than the baronial keep, with more walls and more people, and still get to have Mon close to me.
Monica looked uncertain. "Did you tell my parents? That capital probably doesn't have much wood in it, and since they make barrels and stuff, how will they make money?"
Mom looked back at her with a smug smirk. "I have, I have also talked to them about Marsgate and how there are shops there which sell all sorts of different wood. They can have it delivered it right to their workshop. Your dad and mom could just place and order and spend the time working on what will make them money instead of gathering it themselves. With all the druids around the capital, there are many groves of different species of wood, more than there are around Milltown."
Seeing Monica's confusion, mom continued, "Druids are mages who affect nature and sometimes crops." She then continued with her original thought. "Despite the competition of a larger city, I'm certain your folks will be able to profit heavily. They'll have apprentices lining up for jobs in the city so their business could grow faster than it would here. There is a cooper's guildhall there, but I have only seen two coopers in the entire city. Many of the barrels, casks, and buckets are purchased from travelling merchants from other towns throughout the kingdom, including some from your parents. I have personally seen their mark on many buckets and barrels throughout the Marsgate."
Monica was in awe. "I hope they decide to go. I've always wanted to see a real castle! Are there really dozens of thousands of people in the city? Can it really be big enough to hold everyone?"
Milltown was considered a large town, being in the shadow of the baronial keep. It was spread from river to woods, yet even if one counted all the people in the largest towns in the barony of Gozd, it would still number only forty thousand. Over a third of them lived here in Milltown. Rumormongers have said Marsgate sits on the Moon's Rise Mesa and more than sixty thousand people live within its walls and more than double that in the surrounding outer city. These numbers were unfathomable to Monica, so she wanted to see for herself if so many people really existed in one place. "I'll ask dad and see what he says."
Monica got up taking four steps toward the door when it opened. Standing in the doorway were two tall people, the first having flowing red hair who wore a white damask cloak with gold thread adorning throughout. Looking him up and down, Monica noticed white breeches, white boots with rugged soles, and a white button-down shirt, all whiter than the whitest cloud, but it didn't look like wool, or linen. It was much too fine. A white leather belt with an ivory buckle completed his ensemble.
The second person was a shorter person, covered almost completely by a plain dark brown oiled cloak although it wasn't raining outside. Looking up to his face, she saw a neatly trimmed brown beard with hints of grey trying to reveal itself from under the hood. His clothing beneath the cloak were fine, but not as fancy as the fire-haired guy. He wore simple tan trousers, kept up by an ornate brown leather belt sporting a carved ivory buckle and two rings on his hands. The first appeared to be a golden wedding band placed on his left hand, on his right, the ring had some symbol carved into it. Since the person had a beard, they were likely to be male. She curtseyed, "good afternoon, good sirs."
"What a polite young lady," the bearded man responded. Monica smiled. "I see this is the room we are seeking." With these words he stood tall, nearly as tall as the fire-haired man, removed his cloak putting it onto a peg in the wall. Seeing his smile, after his kind words, she curtseyed again. "You must be Von's friend, Monica, I suppose?"
"Yes sir." she stated. How did he know my name she wondered. I don't think I've met him. Was he and alchemist here for Von, she thought. Many alchemists wear brown while seeking herbs. "Aunt Maude said we might be going to Marsgate if Von gets healed, or maybe if he doesn't, so I was going to tell my parents. If you'll excuse me?" It was always good to be courteous to those who dressed well. The brown-haired guy didn't look too important, but the healer must have been someone special to wear such amazing clothes. Looking back toward the bed, Monica noticed Aunt Maude kneeling on the floor behind her, and Von looking confused.
"There's no need to leave on my account, Monica," the brown-haired man said before she could speak again. In fact, if you'd like, you can stay while my friend here has a look at your friend there." Glancing over Monica's shoulder he said, "oh stand up already. Maude. We're all family here. No need for all the pomp among family." With this, Maude nodded before standing. She suddenly looked very rigid and watchful, where before she was casual and relaxed.
"Yes, your majesty. I didn't expect you to come to visit my son too, borrowing Jayr would have been more than I had hoped." Maude responded.
"Bah, your son may as well be my nephew. You are my grand marshal, Lady Zupan. There is no need for formality unless we are in public. If your son is ill or injured, your worry will distract you. We can't have that." He smiled and this eased some of the tension in Maude's posture and she visibly relaxed again.
"Your majesty? I mean your majesty." Monica curtseyed deeper than before and knelt as Maude had done.
King Garret smiled broadly, before shaking his head. "Please, I am here at the request of my grand marshal. This is a friendly visit. As long as it is just us, I don't need formalities. I hated them as a boy and if I don't need them, I don't want them. Monica, Von, while behind closed doors, both of you may call me 'Garret'."
"Thank you, your—Garret," Monica blushed.
I didn't know what to do or say. The king is here. I looked at mom, then the king and the other guy. The king accompanied his healing wizard? For me and he said I could call him by name? I didn't know what to say. I honestly didn't expect to see King Garret, let alone have him talk to me. "I...." I really didn't know what to say. Monica looked just as stunned as I felt. "Your majesty," I said. "I would have bowed, but I can't get up. I'm sorry." That sounded so dumb. I'm talking to the king, and I sound almost as dumb as when I was talking to Tyia. My brain must really be damaged.
"I didn't even expect you to be awake, young Von. We came here at your mother's askance to see if Jayr could repair what you have done to yourself. I hope you don't mind us keeping you awake?" The smile in his eyes made me feel warm inside. I could see why he was the leader of people. He was the kind of person who could charm his way through a conversation, whereas my mother was an expert at intimidation. I nodded my head and smiled back.