day 4 2010

The trip there was uneventful. A smiling monk met them at the bottom of the hill. “It is about time you all showed up again, it has been to long. Our library misses you and our poor cellars are overfull.”

Bree smiled. “Now I am sure it isn't that bad, Brother Hendrix. Just how could your wine cellars be overfull, our sales down that bad?”

Brother Hendrix. “Now you know we keep some back for important guests. Those are the cellars I was referring to. Come though and see you rooms. You have been long on the road and will enjoy the brake. Ah here are the students are here for your horses. The will see that they get the best. Never you fear.”

Bree said. “You spoil us. I do not mean to put you out. You know we have.”

Brother Hendrix interrupted. “Now you know full well we are not going to let you stay in those tents. We have perfectly useable rooms that are just seating empty. Now stop arguing and let lad there take your horse. They have all ready lead you remounts away.”

Bree shook her head and got off the horse, turning it over to the lad. This is what the rest had been waiting for. Soon all were dismounted. Kell said. “Scouts you are now officially off duty. Have fun.” She then smiled at the lad waiting for her. “Now try not to let him talk you out of to much. He can be greedy, and he is one that needs just a open stall, pleas. He gets a bit testy if confined.”

Rick said, “Well he takes after his rider. That is why you get on so well with him.” The lad nodded and took off, and Rick reached over and took the bags from her.

Kell said. “You know I can care them myself I do not need to be waited on.”

Rick answered. “I know but I also know that I can carry them. I am good for something you know.”

Kell smiled. “Oh I knoe;">
Kell paused a bit and looked around, she had to every time. There were few who didn't. For it was inspiring. The monastery was an old white stone building with winding halls and high ceilings. You could tell that magic had a hand in raising it. But the details of its making had been lost to the sands of time. It was sparingly decorated and furnished. But was welcoming and comforting. It was said that not even the monks knew all the rooms the maze of halls held Visitors were of course asked to stay to certain areas. They headed down a hall off to the left of the main room and half way down took anther left. When they reached the end of the hall the lad said. “Father Jones hopes you will find this room acceptable. There is only the one hall leading to it,” He then opened the door and motioned for them to enter. They did so, he entered behind the. The room was a seating room, meant to welcome visitors. There were low chairs centered around a table. On the table was a bottle setting in ice and some glasses. The walls where painted a pale white. The lad crossed to the back. “This door here lets out on an enclosed courtyard.” He opened the door to show them. “The only other with access to this is Father Jones. That is his study there.” He closed the door and pointed to the left. “The door there will be the sleeping chambers, and next to them you will find the baths. Is there anything else you need?”

Kell shook her head. “No thank you. The room is fine thank you.”

The lad nodded. “If you find you are needing something just pull the cord there and a student will answer. Supper will be brought in shortly.”

Kell said. “That is not necessary.”

The novice said. “It is Fathers orders. He feels that guest are tired enough by the trip, the next day will be soon enough for you to join them for meals. Enjoy your stay.” With that he bowed again and left.

Kell watched him go with an amused expression on her face. Rick smiled and headed to the door the lad had pointed to. He opened to to find a short hall with three doors off it on either side. He opened the first on the left to find a bed and dresser. He set the bags in the door and moved to the one across the hall that proved to be the bathing chamber. He called back. “You said bath first right?” Not waiting for the answer he moved into the room.

Kell said. “Yes that is first. Though I should.”

Rick said. “The water is running. Should be full in a bit.”

Athinos went to the table and filled one of the waiting glass then bought it to her. “Shall we go see about that bath before there is a flood?”

Kell shook her head and took the glass. “I don't know what I am to do with you guys.” but was heading down the hall as she spoke. Athinos followed her and soon they were in the tub.

Rick saw to the unpacking of the bags and then entered the bathing chamber with a clean set of clothing for all of them.”Do you need that glass refiled?”

Kell said. “Oh I think that can wait a bit. I think that you need to get the dust of you as well.”

Some time latter they came back into the siting room. Kell sat on one of the chairs and Athinos held out the glass witch Rick filled from the bottle. He then handed Kell, who took and and said. “There are plenty of chairs so just why are you standing. And I am not going to drink this bottle by my self. Get you a glass to.” Athions took a seat in the chair across from the one Kell had taken. Siting on it like one ready to spring up at the slightest hint. Rick picked up one of the smaller glasses, filled it and handed it to Athions. He remained standing off to the side. Kell shook her head. “What am I to do with you two? Rick I meant you to. Honestly I don't see why you both insists on being told to sit each time when we are alone.” Rick moved over and sank to the floor at her feet.

Athions said. “Well perhaps you should do something if we annoy that much.”

Kell laughed. “Oh I think you would get the point much better if I did nothing. Not that it will change a thing with either of you.” She held her glass down. “Rick try this.” He obediently turned his head and opened his mouth. She pored a bit of the wine in. “Now that is more like wine should taste. Not that swill you said was wine back in Clover.”

Rick swallowed and nodded. “If you say so ma’am.”

Kell shook her head.. “You just don't know what is good. I will see they bring in some of that Juvain sludge you like. But you are to drink it. And no guff. Ant you want some Metred, but same rule. Deal?”

Anth and Rick nodded, Ant said. “That is very kind of you. You need not take such pains to see to our comfort, after all.”

Kell laughed. “No you would much rather I made you do with out. So see I am torturing you. Just not the way you want.” There was a knock on the door and Rick jumped and ran to answer it. “But I suppose that I could be kind enough to hurt you the way you want as well. After all there is a place to do so.” Rick came back followed by a boy carrying a tray of food. “Thank you that looks delicious, thank you.” Rick stared dishing up a plate of the food.

The boy set the try down and said. “You are very welcome. I hope all is to your liking. Is there anything else you need?”

Kell said. “Not tonight thank you.” The young man bowed and left. Rick handed the plate to Kell and made to resumes his former place. “Now you really don’t think I am going to eat all this by myself do you?” Rick looked at Anth who nodded so Rick moved back to the table to fill anther plate. Skipping some dishes and take smaller amounts of those he did put on. Kell did not seem to be watching but when Rick paused over one dish with peppers and meat she said. “Wait go back he will have a spoon of Jas. Then give him some Crim and we will call it good.” Rick went back and put some of the peppers on his plate and them some steamed vegetables that had been covered in a thick sauce. Turning to Anth she smiled. “The peppers will do you good. And you will clean the plate if you want any caramel.”

Anth frowned but said. “Thank you ma’am.” He took the plate from Rick without comment. This time Kell let Rick return to the floor in front of her. They turned their attention to the food and all was quite for a bit.

Kell finished her first plate and hand it to Rick who jumped up to fill it. When he hand it to her she said. “Anth needs a refill to. The dishes on the left side this time.” Rick nodded and did as bid, then resumed his place at her feet. Kell let him fill her plate a third time, but left Anth’s empty. When the fourth came a long she shook her head. Time for desert I think. You may finish what is left of the main course. Anth will have three of those caramels and one of those puffs.” Rick fixed Anth’s plate as directed then filled Kell’s with the rest of the caramels and puffs. Only after she was eating did he see to getting himself something from the remnants of food that was left. Once they were done Rick took the tray and set it on a table in the hall.

Kell said. “Ok so where are you thinking of starting in library tomorrow?”