2 days worth now at 47 k going to green bar early for once :)

Heanrick looked at them, glad that they were not his problems. “De, you do have your hands full don’t you? I can just bet these five give you no ends of fits. Thank you and I will pass it on up the chain.”

De smiled. “They are always worse when they have been apart for longer than a week. They do keep me on my toes though. Of courses growing up with Warren I knew what to expect, and it just made sense that any drawn to him would be like minded.  I was surprised at how well Charity fit in with those three when she came along, I had thought she would be likely to hang with Alice and Frank, who a bit quieter about their trouble making, However that first trip with her to Jacksome showed me just how wrong I was. I mean most wait until the second one to end up in a duel with one of the Prince’s. Then Jabari just slipped right in as well like he was always there.”

Charity said. “Hay he challenged me. It wasn’t my fault. Just because I told him he had his feet to far apart. It is not like I knew who he was, Like just told me no one would care if I used the ring to work off some energy, failing to tell me that it was the also used by the Royally family. No one told me until after I sat him down for the forth time.” Heanrick looked at her and she suddenly wondered just how many would be turning up at the work out area tomorrow afternoon.

Luke said. “Well it was fun to watch. I was sure he would get the worst of it. Also equally sure that if you knew you would go all polite, and so it wouldn’t happen. You held back a bit too much those first months, unless you were goaded into it. I needed to get you to where you would be able to help me run the new recruits around the field, and he needed a good trouncing form someone other than me.” De just shook her head.

Heanrick stood up and shook his head. “De I owe you a debt for taking those two boys on. I never thought what would come from send a few lads out to see what other lands had to offer. Now then I am going to go see who I can reach. Don’t worry, the maps will be shared only with the Chosen, likewise the comets about the spies.”

De shrugged, and made up her mind. “If they need more let us know and we will see what can be dug up.. Fire works best where the tower is, but air or dirt work best where only the eagle is. Though as you saw they are working together, and we think they have since before the empire started. Char is not the only who started digging, The eagle is proscribed by most guilds now. Any place that is seen welcoming it finds it harder to hire help, as well as received a list of crimes done under the flag. It was small things, but it might have weakened them some. Heanrick and Feather looked at her, she shrugged. “We are not the only ones to see the evil there and once we started yelling so did a lot of religious orders. Once we knew there was a big push coming we put the word out though those same channels. Any that can read a map can see your border is by far the best place to make a stand. So a lot of old animosities are appearing to be flaring up and causing an arming. But under the surfaces there is more a foot then it seems.”

Heanrick said. “That helps to know, thank you. Right now I think that would cause alarm, but when it is time I will let them know why there are so many seeming ready to pounce on each other. We have reason to fear our neighbors, and so it is best to move slow. However there has been a softening, as the increased trade shows, and perhaps this is why. His Holiness like knows what way the wind blows for all I am amazed any would so stir to help, and not just blast a new barrier at our borders.” He bowed and left, wondering for the first time just who the Dragons were, how they could have such pull. He knew that they had come from the Leader of Huntly last time, but just thought there was some contract that let him call on any of the dozens of companies that had there biases in its land. Now though he was wondering a bit more about why, and the quality of gear and horses they all had.

After he left De looked at Feather who had not said a thing for some time. He was clearly upset, but she didn’t know just what to do about it. Luke said. “Sir we can’t answer if you don’t ask. Yes she is a strong mage, among Jabari’’s people such as her are known as Elementals. We here have none quit the same, but her gifts are related to those that never leave the temple In truth my own gifts are the same as those in the temple, but I knew to hide what I was before I was there for the Priests to see.” His face didn’t change. “Well that was the wrong guess.”

Feather looked at them and frowned. Just what was going on here? “I do hope you all won’t get to boarded waiting here that long.”

Luke smiled. “We will be running scouts in circuits and the men will offer to help the locals in their drills. Don’t worry there will be work enough to keep everyone busy. Having this much time we can see about trapping areas in hopes of herding them where we want them to go. We will be making use of time.”

Charity nodded. “A number of us will be out there studying the land and planting Luke’s traps more then in here, some of us will be able to make some changes to the land as well. But we have to understand the area to do it safely, then giving the number of mages we must expect them to hide troops under illusions.”

Feather wondered just how far they were going to take this farce. Expecting him to think that diluted child was in charge of anything was ridicules. The only thing that one could ever do was make a descent copy. But that was there problem now. He would be able to get a better read of that supposed husband when he joined them for the hunt. Fid out then just what they were trying to pull. “Glad you have thoughts on how to keep them busy. Now then I had best go see what the boys are into. It is but a few minuets until supper. I thank you for showing what is head this way. It is fighting, but now we can be ready.”

Charity shook her head and took Jabari’s right hand in her left so their bracelets matched up. Why couldn’t he just once keep his shield up? She hated having to hear him. What was on his face was enough, she didn’t need to hear it. “It is best to have an idea but do not get hung up on the odds. But we have the time to set the filed. They don’t expect us to be looking and preparing for a large force. We can use that, as long as we are preparing for them. The locals need to see you gearing up, so they will take it seriously. They are going to go off your actions not the Inspectors or his troops. “

Feather jumped to his feet glaring at her. Just where did this silly hussy get off. If ever she needed it was now. Clearly they had not been hard enough. He should have let them take her up the road as they wanted to. That would have fixed her lies! “We are fortifying and we will be ready. There is no need to be alarmist about it.” If you think I am going to go running around following lies like some addle brained fool. Like the Inspector humor them is he wanted. He wasn’t going to feed it and You should well know what I do with stepped up hussy.

 Charity shook her head and forced herself to keep her voice and her grip even. Wondering how many were picking up the thoughts he was pushing at her. “Please know there was no stunt to what you saw. That is the first wave that is coming here. Think Sir. When did I ever lie to you? I didn’t when I knew it meant a visit to the wood shed so why would I now? I know it is easier to believe I am duping them all, or that this is some elaborate joke. I wish it was. However it is not. On all I hold dear what I saw was a real scrying of the camp that is in line with us. The heading is pointing right at Market pass, however the will spread out before then. Yes I am answering your thoughts, rudely. However I knew no other way to deal with what you were making sure I heard but refused to say. If we do not use this time fully we are going to be in a harder place then we already are. The people need to see steps being taken so they do not panic when the enemy gets here.”

Feather said. “We will be ready to meet what comes. You need not worry about dear. I see that less has changed then I thought. Now then dinner will be ready soon, I will let you get ready.” He left then, with a glance at Luke thinking of how well the Matssis girl would do for his first wife. The ball would be just the time to see they got to know each other.

Charity said. “You know I think it might be a good idea for us to us to take a few meals each week up at the camp. Just to make sure there are not too many problems. We will need to be here tomorrow, but the next night I think would be best spent up there.” Feather’s back stiffened, but he gave no other sign of having heard. Charity let him get out of hearing then said. “He is going to be inviting the neighbors around so Luke can get a good look at their daughters. Eating at the camp will work for a bit, but you might just have to kiss one of them in front of him Luke. Sorry De but he was shouting at me, telling me I was just a lying Hussy. I expected it, but I couldn’t let it go unanswered this time.”

De just looked at her. “I might not be able to hear him, but I can see faces. There was a lot more then that being said. You all will be taking more meals at the camp after this. Yes you need to be here tonight and tomorrow, but the evenings in the family room are going to trying enough on you. with him glaring at you.”

Charity said. “He won’t be as bad when Jeffery is around. He never was. I was pushing him, which is a part of why he was so upset. However they need to stop seeing me as one of them. So I cannot act as they expect me to, which is going to make it rough on everyone for a bit. I didn’t know just how hard it was going to be to be here and not worry about the churches laws.”

De nodded. “When it gets to much, take off on a scouting run. Just make sure you leave me a note, and tell me which of them is with you. I knew it would be rough. I just didn’t realize how blind he was.”

Charity said. “I was just expecting him to ignore me. Now though I am at a lose as to what he is up to. I do know he thinks I will change for supper, but I am just going to add a bit of jewelry. I will drop it off here after supper when we pick up our blades before the run.”

Diner was uneventful,, she let Chastity know she was to jumpy to see straight tonight but would join her tomorrow and get started. Then made her way to her, changed and soon the tree of them were out the back door and in the woods. Where Warren saw she worked out her frustration enough to be able to sleep.  Back at the hall Warren kissed her outside her room. “This is where I will leave you Love. Have fun, but get some rest. You want to be able to run them around the ring. If you don’t make them work they will be worried.”

Charity smiled at him. “Jab wanted me to go up today, so yes they will be if I don’t make it tomorrow. You have fun to dear, and see they sleep some to. I can just see their faces.” She kissed him, and then gently pushed him towards Luke’s door. “If they forgot the toys again check the bathroom closet. Luke might not think of it, but they will have things demeaned need for servants, some might work.”

Warren blushed a bit. “I should have really locked the door that time.”

Charity laughed and went into her room to find that Jabari was getting Asaim ready and had ropes waiting for Cri. She smiled at them then turned to Cri. “Boy I have the feeling the longer you are in the shower the longer you will be in the ropes tomorrow so I would make fast. Go on now.” She swatted him lightly and shoved him towards the bathroom. He moaned and headed to the bathroom. “That should see him out here soon, then after he is ready for bed we can take our time getting ready.”

Jabari smiled and kissed her. “Good, and glad you feel up to it. They are going to be miserable and very happy about it.”

Charity smiled. “It helps me to see they want it, even as hard as it is to do.”

The next morning Charity woke up and smiled, moving closer to Jabari, loving his arms around her. He responded by kissing her, and they took their time about waking up, ignoring the groans from the other two, who were at the foot of the bed, where they could see them but not touch them. Sometime later they got up and made it to the shower.

After they were out and dressed Jabari went to the servants’ room and set some canes out then checked to see the straps on the post were good. He saw there were whips in there as well, and moved them to be sure they were well out of the way. They would not be used here. It was most likely that Charity would just take them to the woods and not use the post. It would likely be too hard on her to use the post in this house, but even so it was best the whips be out of sight. That done he went back to the other room and saw Charity lightly kiss Cri, making him moan, and pull on the ropes, wanting more. His eyes though said how happy he was when she moved away.

Charity shook her head as she moved away from Cri, the link letting her know he was enjoying the teasing as much as he was hating it. She said softly. “You are Jabari’s for the morning. I am sure he will see it is long. No matter though you will be working in the ring this afternoon.”

Critern smiled. “Thank you Mistress. I need this, and look forward to the afternoon. Thank you for insuring I have a long day to follow the fun of last night.” He truly was looking forward to what was coming his way, but worried it was casing her pain to do this for him.

Chairty moved over to Asaim and lightly ran her hands over him, He moved to her wanting more then a light touch she smiled a bit made sure he didn’t get more as she moved and utied him. “Go get a show and dressed then see you learn your way around the hospilte. You need to to find the best place to be tied to. there is time enough to try a few before things get hot. Jab and I will get our breakfasts, I am sure you will find plenty to do in the camp, and your boys will likle having you take lunch with them.” She kissed him, still keeping it light.

He smiled, it was so much fun when she was able to do this for him. Usually she had to let Jabari take over, knowing he wanted it, but unable to trust herself to make him. “Thank you Mistress. Mr. Chad has indicated that he wanted to start an inventory, that will see we learn where everything is.” He looked at Critern who was so invitingly tied, wondering if he could possible have some fun.

She smiled. “One swat on your way out is your limit. Yes boy your day is going to be long as well.”

He groaned. “Thank you Mistress. I look forward to it. I am sure it is going to be long and good for me.” He bowed and went to get his shower, knowing it would be night before he could expect any relief.

Charity shook her head and turned to watch as Jabari went over to Cri, knowing it had to be odd for both of them. Cri jumped and moaned as Jab’s hand touched him. Making it clear just who was in charge. Jab winked at Char, checking to make sure it wasn’t get to much for her as he teased Cri turning him so he was looking at the post and waiting canes. “Boy you will stay like this thinking of what will be happing when I return, and yes I will take what I want from you as well. You are going to be sore when you leave here.” He kissed him, causing Cri to gasp in surprise. Oh he wanted it, more than anything, but he didn’t expect it. Jab had never indicated any such feelings to him before.. “You see Cri, I have long wanted to know what you felt like. Only fear of what you thought held me back. Now though I need not. You will be dancing on that post.”

Cri moaned and squirmed, wanting him to do more then tease. “Tank you Master. I look forward to being used to meet your needs. I am sorry I withheld from you. If only I had of said something then you wouldn’t have had to weight. I thank you for making me pay for my error. I am sorry. I was so scared of losing my friend that I failed to see what was truly there.” He couldn’t keep from tugging usually on the ropes wanting more contact, yet glad he would have to wait for it.

Charity said. “I am sure you two will get things worked out when Jab comes back here. Now then let’s go see if Beth has some rolls ready for us, love. Yes Cri you are going to stay here knowing we are down in the kitchen getting our own meals. As well as thinking of what is coming. I am sure you are going to find it painful as you go though the exercises this afternoon. The Dragons need to know you can fight or they will be worrying about you being at my side.”

He whimpered a bit realizing she had said he would be back, not they would be. “Yes Mistress, I understand, I need to be worthy to see to you and Master. I will do better. Thank you for letting me have this reminder of my duties.”

Charity nodded. “I will see you at lunch, if Jab finds you have the right to be at the table. Enjoy your morning.”

Charity was shaking a bit when they got out into the hall, jab put his arm around her. “All right Love? I know you hate it.”

Charity said. “I will be, it is just leave him there like that, but he wouldn’t get past it otherwise. He needs this, as Asaim needs his day. I know it, yet. Well it feels wrong.”

Jabari kissed her. “I know dear, and here it is likely even worse for you. still thank you. He will be sore, but it will be less then he learned to deal with in the training. He needs to know I will not let our past stop me from being his master, just as much as the fact that I won’t let the present come between us. It is odd for both of us, in truth I need this as much as he does.”

Charity nodded. “That you do, it will be far better to have it worked out. I just. Well, yet another reminder of how I have changed. I never did take up the cane unless forced to as I was growing up here. I did slap a few servants, but well, they had in truth earned more.”

Jabari said. “You forget I was there when Uncle had you take one in your hand the first time. I saw you struggle, I watched as you healed from those wounds to get to where you could hold it.” He looked at her. “Is it to much for you? Do you need me to take him away from the house? I know it has to be bothering you more then you are letting me know to be back here.” He looked around him, guessing they were in the servant halls, giving how plain they were.

Charity said. “It is harder then I thought it would be. It is odd to feel like a stranger, to be treated like I don’t know my way around. I could have done it had I not had the time. As it is I will be making up some scouting runs now and then just to get away. Luke might need help escaping to. He truly had no idea what he was in for coming back here.” She saw him looking at the halls and blushed. “Sorry I have you completely lost. Breakfast service doesn’t start for a hour or so yet, therefore no one is expected to be up just yet so the main halls are getting moped. Knowing this I just turned into the back halls. Just as I did when I lived here more often then not. It was easier for me to use the back halls. There were few here to tell me what I was doing wrong.”

Jab shook his head a bit. “So you liked going unnoticed even as a child. Bet that is why you are such a good scout now. I thought that it was like something like that. These halls are much easier to be in then the main. The decoration out there makes it harder to move. I swear some of it would fit in well with Ascarable Palace.”

Charity said “I think that is Patience would be very happy in that Palace, and I was indeed reminded of this house in a few rooms there.” She opened the door to the kitchen and stood there smiling at the controlled chaos. “Now this is home. Come on, I bet the rolls are about ready.” There were a few nods and some worried glances as she led him over to the old table and sat down, reaching. Still smiling she winked at Jab. “So Beth, is it loafs or rings this morning?”

Beth laughed, and set big plates of food down in front of them. “I see you haven’t changed a bit. Still don’t know what the bell is for. I told that other lad to use it. So how have you been? You look like you might have been eating, and the boy did come after food saying it was clear you weren’t going to get enough at that table.”

Charity shook her head. “Thank you Beth, I am doing better, it has been a learning curve. But yes Luke has plenty of help seeing I eat these days. Asaim said he was balled out for coming here after a plate for us. He seemed impressed and I am sure he would have used the bell if I had of given him a chance. Looks like there are a bunch of new faces in here. So how are you doing? Robby is up at the field, but will likely be down to say hi before long. He is settling in well. Sue is to, but she is not going to be around. De and I tried to get her to go to a different team for this one, but she insisted on come, just said she would stay away form the house.”

Beth nodded. “Their letters get to Jake, so we have news. Few you send normal make it to anyone here. And all here know the rules.”

Charity relaxed. “I am surprised that any do. For all he informed Jabari he would be joining them on the family hunt. I do wish I knew just what he was up to. Yes there is time before the trouble is here, but it is coming and he is holding a party.”

Beth said. “Once Stive returned he announced he was going to call everyone home as it had been to long since all were together. It was the next week announced that there were two Mercenary units come with locals. One would be the ones that had been here last and the other were some friends of theirs. It was a rough few days here as that was the first he had said of it.”

Charity shook her head. “That sounds like him.” She smiled a bit as the rolls were placed in front of her. “Can I have basket of them to take to the copy house?”

Kim said. “And here I thought you would have learned how to give orders by now. Does she ask the other two for things as well?”

Jabari said. “She is getting better about it, Asaim is good at getting her to tell him what to do, and Critern’s training is such that he will respond to a request as an order, not really noticing it wasn’t.”

Charity laughed, winked at Jab and said. “I am a guest in this house and so have no way of knowing what orders you already have. I do not wish to cause a conflict, therefore it is better to ask for things not urgently needed. With that in mind, I would like if possible, for you to see that some clean bedding mine bed and blankets for the servants cots is left in the room I am using this afternoon, but do not strip or remake the bed.”

Kim shook head. “You need to take that altitude around the others. It will drive Chastity to fits.”

Jabari said. “Mother would be delighted as well. Here she thought you weren’t paying any attention.”

Charity laughed. “Oh I was, I just saw no need to be so formal at your house and she never saw me at Estaer’s. Truly though, if you could just deliver a second set of bedding it will be a help. I know there is no danger here but past problems means we have to check things. It will be far easier on Asiam and Critern if the care of our room is left them as much as Mother’s orders will let you.”

Beth looked at her. “I don’t like the way you said that. Just what are you not saying?”

Charity looked around wondering the best way to answer. “I made a few Grissiom monks mad at me and so am on a hit list. There have been no new attempts for the last year, so I believe they have the message, but it is best to be safe,”

Kim said. “I will see what I can do. So far we have not been told much of anything, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Now here are your rolls go on, before he thinks you aren’t coming.”

Charity laughed and stood up and started to go outside but stopped when she realized that Jab was following her. “Love I will be fine, you don’t need to.”

Jab smiled. “I meant what I said. Now Mike will be out in bit until he gets there I will be with you. The longer Cri is waiting the happy he will be and you know it.”

Charity said. “You are going to have them even more worried about then I just made them. At least come up here beside me.” She led him into the copy house smiling. Theere was just two people in there at this time, the morning sift wasn’t do for a few minetts yet.

They both looked up as the door opened. The younger one spoke first. “Can I help you folks? I fear we are not quite open yet.”