31186 Well she made it to clarkdown.

Charity was just about to call a halt when Jabri reached out to her. ‘How are you? Where are you? We just reached the place, and I fear a spralling mess was far understating the house. Why in the world. No wonder you though ours a bit compact. I can’t imaging living in something like this.’ He let her see the house and she had to shake her head.

It had been a mess before, but now, well it could easily hold six companies and still have room left. He had went up on some and extended a out on the wings. It truly looked like something form a mad dream. It might be a detention area or a hospitable, certainly few would think it a house. “De and them have arrived at the place. Lord Jeffery you failed to tell me he had painted the outside of each wing different, and I see he went up on some areas as well. I do wonder if he ever stopped and just looked at it. I never thought of just how much ground it took up before. It is bigger the Palace in Jaksome now, and I thought it was a bit extreme.” ‘We are on track and will be there in an hour, just taking a short stop to let the horses get a drink and us stretch a bit. That is a mess Jeffery had said he added on, but that. there are no words for it. It is worse the Jaksome, and sadly Father is not going to think it funny so do try and contain your laughter, Dear. And thank you for the warning.’

Lord Jeffery said. “Well the painting wasn’t done, and I did tell him I thought it would a bit silly if he painted it as he had planed. So I couldn’t be sure of it. And it is not something there are words for.”

Charity formed an illusions. “This is what Jab is seeing, as I know it is going to be hard not to laugh I thought it best you have the chance to get it out before we get there. We are right on time so just give the horses a bit of a drink and stretch a bit then we will go on.”

Jabari kept the link open as he turned to De and the inspector who where talking to Feather. Feather said. “Thank you for coming, I am sure you will take care as you did last time.” He was stiff, but at least it was better. He had welcomed them, so that was something.

Jabari said. “Cap the others are on track and will be here in an hour.”

Feather turned to him, and blinked. Clearly wondering just what he was being asked to put up with now. “Do you know if my brother found them? I suggest he could just meet up with then once I learned the direction they intend to come from.”

Jabari said. “They were met at the gate they used by a Lord Jeffery and his family Sir. I was told they were related to you, but am not clear how.”

Charity laughed. “Father just asked if you were with us, it seems he truly wants everyone there. I do wonder just what he is up to. He was worried enough to ask Jab not knowing who is.”

Jeffery frowned. “Yes that is odd, for Feather to address someone under those circumstances. Where he wouldn’t know a common solder from an officer, and Feather is concerned about rank. Well what ever it is, I will be there to try and stop it, if need be.”

Charity nodded. “It is just the timing. Well no since in borrowing trouble. I can bet we will know in do time.” ‘See you soon love, we are starting out now. Yes I have a sandwich, and will eat it before we get there, for all a late lunch is not going to hurt me.’

Jabari smiled, causing Feather to frown a bit. ‘Now I said nothing, but glad to know you are thinking. See you soon Dear. I will be waiting, as I am sure the rest will be.’ He let the link fad then turned to Warren and Luke. “They are on time, so it won’t be much longer.”

Warren nodded. “I just heard they were and the road between here ant them is clear, so they shouldn’t find any problems. And she did threaten the guy with a knife, so she is fine. Now relax. Just which are you most wanting to see?”

Jabari laughed. “You know that answer, though it will be good to see my old team again. It has been far too long. Kaneb should have news from home.”

Luke said. “Is it the news or the jug of Black wine you are wanting? Just remember we can’t get drunk, and I get a glass as well. Father you might want to join us one evening. I assure you it is worth it. I can not believe how much the house has changed.”

Feather said. “We needed the room, it was getting a bit crowed. The paint job though is far to wild. I should have just had the locals see to it, not trusted that city company. It is good you are home, now then your old room is ready.”

Luke smiled. “Thank you, but I am here as a member of the Dragons. Mike and I will be staying with them. It will be easier on everyone that way. That way they needed traps though the house when they need something from us. I have somehow ended up the tactile officer, and Mike is Jabari’s second, Jab is lead over the mages.”

Feather looked at him. “You are family, not a guest. Now we will hold lunch tell the rest are here. But there are some light foods set up. Your bags should be waiting on you. Matha will show you to the rooms. Inspector if your party will come with me I will see you to yours.”

Luke shook his head but didn’t say anything, just went on with the others and then saw his and Mike’s bags were in the same room then grabbed one of warrens as he was trying to get it into the next room. “Warren you want to add yours in here, or in there with Jab? We are close enough that it won’t be to hard either way. No we are not going to let you get away with it. This is just like any other place. This is our camp and we should view it as such.”

Jab said. “Might as well be in yours, I am sure that Asaim will want his in ours as Critern’s have to be. How long tell he realizes you are not using the room he told you to?”

Luke said. “I don’t know and am not going to worry about it. When he does I will just tell him again. There you go Warren. Not then shall we go see about a bite to eat. Jab were they able to get sis to eat something or is she insisting she needn’t?”

Jab smiled. “She told me she had a sandwich and would be eating before I asked. She sounded all right, but it is starting to get to her.”

He nodded. “It is odd for me, and is going to be more so for her.”

When Charity got there they were all back outside waiting. She looked at the house and shook her head, and got off her horse. De said. “So who is who?”

Charity smiled, and turned, shaking her head, knowing they would have formed up. “The ones on the right are the Olive knights, this is Kaneb, their Capitan. Garstern is the second for the rest which will be under your banner.” Gar glared at her, but she just winked. If she was going to be forced into an officer’s place, only fair she returned the favor. Besides the men would throw a fit if he tried to stay in the camp.

De nodded. “If the men want to follow that path, Hunt will help them get settled. There are bunk house, and should be more then room enough. However Kaneb I know some of yours can’t stand walls so Hunt has tent sights marked out as well. Now officers will be staying in the house, if there are any problems at the camp Hunt will let us know. I am sure your men are like mine and don’t like having you help with setting the camp.”

Kaneb nodded. “You heard her guys, that trail there, I bet they have a good start on lunch. So let’s.”

One of the others said. “On it Cap, the officers gear is all on those two pack houres boys. We can sort out the other item tomorrow. Fall out, so they have room to move.” They had started moving before he had finished. Kaneb shook his head,

Chairty saw the other were still waiting and shook hers. “Guys that goes for you to. Suunser, Hunt is the red head that will be standing in the middle of the road. You won’t miss him he’ll tell you what bunks to use. Likewise you can set up tents if you need to.”

Suunser bowed. “Yes Commander. Come on let’s go see about the bunks and that meal. We will do a scout of the near area after Lunch of that is acceptable Sirs?”

Charity nodded. “That is fine, but leave the far until you have had a days rest. That will give us time to work out the areas so they are not being doubled up on. Only general wards may be placed on your area if the camp and woods. Leave the rest of the camp as it is until there is time to get with the Priests and see what they can allow on the rest of it. I don’t want to change our wards disturbing theirs.” A few frowned. “Don’t worry there will be time before long, it will be worked out before there is any need. I know the good Inspector, he is not going to let the camp stay unguarded.” They all bowed this time, then tuned and head up the trail, looking like the trained Military unit they were. Charity watched them shaking her head. “I still don’t see how a few bored soldiers is a unit.”

Jabari came over and got her up, giving her a kiss, not caring what the locals thought about it. “Yes, we should have asked more questions. Gus you might as well get off the horses. Dare I ask about the bowing? I knew you were given the command but.”

Charity said. “Gar started and the rest liked it. I take it I was formally given a full commission somehow.”

Luke said. “I like the dress, nice touch. Guys the servants need to get down to, and see if you can get them to let the grooms see to the horses, they should let the maids help with the bags, but the maids will leave the unpacking to them.”

Feather looked and frowned as he started over to bed this second team welcome, for all it was unneeded. Wondering just what this second company would be, for all Jeffery said they were good folks. Well at least a few of there women were dressed right. He was close enough to her that last about servants which caused him to look aging at those still mounted and he relaxed a bit. It might just be these folks were a bit more civilized, as they did indeed have some with them.

Charity said. “It just felt odd to come here in pants. I did half my tests in dresses like this, and I was in a dress when we dealt with those bandits in Ossacer. Relax it is not an added risk. Asaim, Crisetrn you heard him off the horses and let the grooms see to them. The maids will get the bags, Cri you may stay with me.”

Jab looked at her and smiled knowing she hated given orders. “Asaim it is good to have you back. Go see if Chad has need of, if not then you may go see to the unpacking and have the maids show you where the kitchen is.” He looked at his old friend and shook his head a bit. It was a bit odd to see him standing behind them, in the servant’s place, but it was clear he was there out of desire. “You did well, I can tell she ate and you are here on time.”

Asaim bowed. “It will be my honor see to the unpacking, Mr. Chad is already shaking his head so I know there is nothing he needs me to see to right now. Just the same I will see when he wishes the set up to start.” Charity winced as he bowed again before leavening, knowing it was causing him pain, for all she had been light.

Charity turned to De and her father. “Sorry, he is always a bit overly formal after a trip. They will relax in a day or two.”

De smiled. “I was more worried about have to go though the officer thing for the tenth time. Our host is not going to be bothered by servants being servants this time.”

Charity smiled. “I was thinking about protesting but I king of undid my own arguments when I said Garstern was second in command. Then to I am not going to risk it working. You need Jabari at hand and a month apart is more then enough.” She turned to her father, there was no indication he recognized her. “Sir this is Kaneb, the leader of the Olive Knights, for they can’t shake that name. Don’t be fooled by the name they are among the best fighters in there home land. Garstern here was sent from his Lord with a few soldiers who were looking for a change from the bandits they see.”

Feather said. “We are grateful for your help, as Our wise Leaders have word that there is a good deal of trouble heading our way in the next few months. I fear there likely will be a good deal of time, but they felt it best that every one was in place early. As they have been told it will hit with little warning when it does. Lunch will be ready shortly, if you will just follow Eidath she will show you where your rooms, I must ask that the weapons remain in them, for they would just upset the ladies of the house should they be wrong at the table.”

Kaneb smiled easily. “My mother would do me in if I ever though to wear weapons to the table when there was no immanent danger sir, and we keep that policy at home. I assure you there is no problem there. In fact few will have them on unless they have been at practice or the enemy has been sighted near.”

Luke winked and said. “Jab I had better go with you two or you are not going to make it to lunch. And you said I was bad.” Feather looked at him, then at her.

Charity said. “I think I will be able to find the dining room, for all the house has grown. All I will be removing is my sword brother. Unlike you I do not trip over the bed.”

Mike coughed, trying not to laugh. Feather was looking at Charity wondering what was going on. Warren said. “Now to be fair, it wasn’t his room and that bed did have odd feet.”

Charity shook her head, started to go and then stop. “Sir I almost forgot, I need to explain something before it cause offence. A number of the servants with us have had some strict training that has made certain things habits. Do to that training they can not let anyone else hand me food and in a place where they don’t know those handling the food they will taste it first, just out of habit, not because there is thought to be need. It is in no way meant as any kind of insult, but I can see where it might appear to be so.”

Feather waved it off. “It is normal for the servers to hand the food to a personal servant where one is present, and yours will hardly be the only one that tastes the food before severing. Thank you for explaining, but it will cause no offence.”

Charity smiled. “I just wanted to be sure. I know there is a mix of traditions here, and a number of things we find common might cause alarm. Do let me know if there is something distressing. I know there are bound to be things that are puzzling, there always is when such different cultures meet. I will be happy to try and answer any questions.”

Luke said. “Come on sis, you and Jab have the room next to ours. There looked to even be a servant room off to the side of it. So at least they will have a place for their clothes. Asaim is not going to take a serpent room if yours isn’t and you said he had to be close.”

Charity was trying not to laugh her father’s face was a study, as he tried to understand, yet refused to. “I am not protesting. In fact I um told them they would be in the room. Thought it best to just let him then listen to the lists of reasons why he should be. Lead the way, as you seem to think I will get lost.” She waited until they were behind the wards on the North wing to say. “So Jab did you see the dancing flowers? I do wonder what he most wants to know, just who I am or who is in your room.”

Jab nodded. “I did, and I don’t know the spell either. It is clearly old, yet shows no sign of dyeing. It is nothing like what those who removed did to there homes, but yet is close in some ways. I do wonder what the purpose is.”

Luke said. “Well when he told me my old room was ready I told him mike and I would just stay with the rest that way no one would have to go traipsing through the house. I am sure it will get worked out soon. This one is ours and that is yours. So should work just fine.”

The ward turned blue, Charity smiled. “The rooms look fine, it will just be a short walk between them. Blue means some one not wearing a blade entered the hall, it will be red if the person is wearing a blade. I will see about getting one set that will let us know a bit about who it is after lunch. Let me get this blade put away.” She went in her room and found Asaim there unpacking, as she had expected. She still shook her head. “Luke said he thought one of those doors might be a servant’s room, which will give you a closet for your clothes, at least.”

Asaim smiled a bit and bowed. “Actually ma’am it is a full room, complete with a post. There are two cots, with the proper ties, two open closets and the lock is on this side of the door. I am quite pleased.”

Chairty shook her head. “Leave it to you to be glad to find bindings and a pole, and your back still smarting as it is. Yes Criern you may go explore. I know you want to. However the night will go as planed. You will have to wait to see how well the cots will do.”

Jab smiled. “Now I see what you meant. No wonder you said it was a trying few weeks. Don’t worry, once everything is worked out and the bond is sure they will relax.”