44272 some backtracking to add a missing scene

They stayed looking over he maps until it was time for the next session After they left Idrias went to Millton to get the copies made, making four for each of them of the Retreat, and running four others for the professor, then got started on the ones he hadn’t seen, for she could bet he would want them for the library at least. That gave her a way to stay out of sight and let tempers cool down without blatantly hiding. The attention was going to be a lot to take, but something had to be done. She just hoped that her Father had seen the danger and agreed as he said. He was mad, that she knew but he might just be able to why it was needed. Someone needed to address the myths. She knew she wasn’t qualified, but she also knew that she wasn’t threatening, be so clearly a child still. So it just made sense to offer to answer questions, for all it meant doing just what she had been told never to do. With a sigh she packed up the maps and made her way back. The thought of answering questions did bother her. It was what her family was going to have to say when the were alone that was worrying her. They were angry for all they were good at hiding it, she could see beyond the public faces they had on. Just what did I do wrong about the maps anyway? Maybe it was the battles, but why would that have been a problem, I was just talking about the records. Well no doubt they will tell me tonight, that is if giving him the copies doesn’t cause the yelling to start sooner. As she had thought the sessions was ending when she reached the study

She approached him and waited tell He was looking, then curtsied, hoping she had it right. “I have the maps for you, Your Majesty, I made four copies as I didn’t think to ask how many you wanted. More can be made easily.” She handed him the tube contain them to him and waiting to see if one of the lords would tell her what the problem was this time, for it was easy to see she had upset them again.

The king smiled. “I didn’t think that you could even get one done before Congress was over, thank you Idrias. Four is plenty. I am glad to see that the printer works so well. We will have to get them in more schools once the test phase is done. It will be a benefit to have maps more accessible”

Idrias curtsied again and said. “You are welcome your Majesty. The printer is working out better than expected.” She turned tube Dr Burrgas and handed him the other tubs she had. “Knowing that there will be others that want I a copy, I made six of each sir. More can be made, if you wish. I just didn’t think of it until I started running them.”

Donald nodded. “It has already earned every cent, even with the bugs there have been. I do think that there will be a version on the open market by the end of the year, as we have encored few problems then the designs expected us to.” He wished the others would stop making Idrias so nervous she was just doing the His Majesty had asked them all to do.

Dr. Burrgass said. “Six should do it, and I hope you will let me see this printer. I do think that we will be order one as well. It would be a help to have something cable of handling large documents.”

Donald said. “It is indeed handy and yes of course you can see it. I will get you the company information as well. We have been surprised at just how useful it is. I never realized how often we were piecing documents until we didn’t have to.” Idrias made use of the discretion to leave them and go over to the others that were there to be seen. Not that she was, but it was as close as it came to a fit.

She had all most made it over to them when one lad said. “There you are. So how is it that you are a shifter? Just how did you kill someone when you were that young?”

Idrias blinked, well at least they weren’t shy about asking what they wanted to know. Still just what was going on? “I have never killed anyone. I don’t know why you think I did. It must be another of the myths I have not heard. No one has to kill to shift, if that is what you mean. It is caused by the warevecor rewriting some genes. I did not come close to understand the full explanation, but it does not involving killing in any generation. Now those that have the first gen are not rational when the moon forces them to change, and that is the only time they change. It is extremely painful for them and no matter the from, they will be enraged when it is complete. No one is sure if it just do to the pain or something about the virus itself, but they are not safe in that from. There were some killings the first years do to that, but the people were not responsible. Once it was understood what was going on methods were put in place to see those affected would be safe and so it has been over a hundred years since there was danger. I have the third generation of the virus and so can change at will without pain. It means that I have inherited it, but we are not certain just which of the ancestors it comes from. When the virus first cam there were few records kept of who showed the infection. It is only in the last sixty years that an attempt to keep them has been made, and it is proving difficult.”

One of the others said. “See I told you that was just an old wise tale. I do wonder how it works though. There has to be a reason that is not more prevalent.”

Idrias said. “There is a lot of work being done on it. I tried to look at it, but soon was to lost. The science was beyond me. What I got out of it was they are not sure just what determines who changes after the first infection, but it might be relayed to blood type. For all that have been recorded have the same type, yet it isn’t because not all infected who have that type change. So basically they don’t know. Or that was the impression I was left with. The inherited types all depend on the genes that have passed on, and there is some that seems to be suggesting that it isn’t a generation thing at all. Sara can likely explain it better, she said that was what she was studying.” He nodded.

Another said. “So do you want a cure or would you rather they stopped looking for one? I heard that shifters were destroying the research, saying they weren’t ill and didn’t need fixed.”

Idrias said. “I have heard nothing of research being destroyed and do not support it. I do not know that a cure is possible where it rewrites the genes. However I do think the search for a treatment should continue. Even just something that relieves the pain for the first and second generations would be worth it, even if it can’t stop the shifts. I am in control of when I change so I have a different view from those that are not. When I was younger I would have loved for it to stop. Now though, well no I don’t want a cure for myself. I no longer see that it is needed. Not being able to shift would be like missing a part of myself, my other from has been a part of my life for so long I can’t imagine not having it.”

The girl shook her head. “So you like turning into an animal and doing who knows what? How do you know you haven’t killed someone?”

Idrias said. “I am still me when I change, I know who I am. I look like an animal but I am still Idrias, only first generation lose memories when the shift. I am in full control and know exactly what I do. If I didn’t then I would likely want to stop the shifts, for it has to be scary to not know what you do during that time.” Best not to go into details, I don’t need to see my parents to know they are not happy with how I answered, but I am not going to lie.

She shook her head. “I can’t believe it. Yet that is just what my cousin said. I am so glad it isn’t me or my siblings. I just don’t see how they do it.”

Idrias said. “It isn’t easy. I do think it has more of an impact on my family than it does on me. It is not fair to them that they get judged because of my genes. I hope that is another thing that can be fixed by increased understanding of what a shifter is. Once, if, people come to see that we do not turn into unthinking beasts there will be less fear and so less prejudice.” That caused a few flushed faces, but the food coming out stopped any replies, for they had to separate and take their places at the table.

As Idrias expected her father and her brother entered her room, without a knock. At least Travis wasn’t here yet, that might have been strange. I am glad I convinced him to wait an hour even if I failed to convince him it wasn’t a good idea. She shook her head a bit.

Iron said. “Just once. Why could you have thought. That was not needed! You know that it was not to. I know you were told not to hide. But that.”

Landen said. “Do you have the slightest Idea what you did to me? That display was uncalled for. Then to show such disrespect on top of it.”

Idrias said. “I did not mean to announce it. However when I lost control over my laughter I had to apologize for it, the last thing I wanted to do was offend anyone. Laughing at him surely would have. The only way to explain was to say that I could and did use a port. No I did not have to offer to answer questions, but the myths do need to be corrected before they become a security issue. By offering to answer questions it gives me a chance to get a few fixed and might just provide a way to see where they are coming from. I am sorry that I embarrassed you, but at that point the only thing that was right was to tell them. I understand that you are upset, and I am sorry if it causes people to turn away from you. However how long do you think it would have stayed unknown?” They both looked at her shocked.

Iron said. “Idrias I know that we have been asking a lot of you. This is not easy for you. To suddenly have to deal with this many strangers would be taxing for anyone. We should have done more to prepare you. Had more people around before now so you had a chance to get used to it. Asking you to be more visible and not being clear did not help. I do have some responsibility in what happened. However I know that you understood you were not to flaunt your illness like that. There was no reason for you to bring it up like that. Then to suggest that the problems are somehow our fault. That is not you. You know how to behave. I don’t know just what those others have been telling you. I thought that you were old enough not to be overly influenced by their wild ideas. Then to talk directly to the king, as if you were a peer of his. I know full well that you were raised knowing to stay out of government affairs. Just what is it that you are after?”

 She took a breath. “In truth Father, I am tired of pretending to be something I am not. I am tired of trying to fit a mold that is not meant for me. I want to take the tests and learn how to make maps and plan defenses the right way, not the half guessed at ways I have been doing. The toxins are clearing, we all know what that means. Will you let me try? I understand that you don’t think I should, but I am of age and there is nothing more the tutors can teach me. I am not six, and do not enjoy being treated like I am. I know that you are only trying to keep me safe, but could you try and see it from my side for once? Yes I am being selfish, but just once I wish you would hear me instead of what you know I need. As to the maps, I was just doing what he asked me to and addressing him as I would any of the other Lords. I did not realize that I was not to do as he asked. All of you instructed me to follow the forms of address that Sara and Natalie use, that is what I have been doing. It is not my fault that I was turned out of all the classes on court rules as they did not apply to me. I am sorry if I embarrassing you by doing as I was told. Now then I am expecting company soon, it might be a bit embarrassing if you are still here. However please consider letting me take the tests. Do I not deserve a chance to see if I can or am I just to stay here forever?” Not that I can, but I don’t want to hurt you. Yet I am tired of it. I didn’t realize just how tired I was until I said it, but it is the truth. I want to go, and not just for a few classes, but I will take what I get. Just try to see I am not six. You are trying to force Seth to act older than he is but refuse to let me be the age I am.

Iron looked at her truly looked at her for the first time in years. That had not been what he had expected. In fact, he hardly thought she would answer. Clearly, there were problems here that did need to be looked at. That was not the way she should behave. However, this was clearly something they needed to talk over. They had been thinking about it, but it was a lot to put on her. Yet perhaps it would do good to let her see just what they were trying to keep her from. She did have a point she wasn’t six. It might just be time she learned just what the world was and how much she needed to grow. They had clearly been too guarded. She clearly had no idea just how different she was. “I am not sure that it is a good idea for you to take the tests you have no idea just what you are asking. Yet that is our fault. Your mother and I will talk about it, as well as seeing that you get some better instructions on court educate. You are right it is not your fault, he did ask for you to treat him the same, and you would not know that request did not mean what it sounded like. You have a good night, and yes we had best go. No need to scare the boy off.”

Landen was red, but nodded. “Just remember that no matter what you do not have wings. I think I can fix everything as long as it stays to a tiger. That is bad enough but the other. There would be no saving anything if it got out you were a bird. There is no coming back from that. Do think a bit before you speak after this. That shouldn’t be so hard, even for you.”

Idrias looked at him and said. “I have never said a word about having a third form and never will. I fully understand that if it was known I am an avian, even though it is a dragon not a bird, that ignorant people would use it to judge my ability to think. You have made that abundantly clear to me over the years.”  She looked at her father and was surprised to see he was frown at Landen, not her this time. “I don’t think he would be scared off given how persistent he has been, but likely would have something to say, which I would truly rather avoid. He will be taking the back stairs. You have a good night.” They left and she looked after them wondering when the next round would come and if she could stand up to them again. Not that she was sure how she had managed to say it that time. It was not the first time he had asked her and normally she just apologized again and accepted the orders to stay in the house for the week. This time he hadn’t even remembered to say the forest was off limits. Then he might think it unwise given the company. After all it would likely be a bigger scandal if they saw a tiger in Millton just now. By the time Travis arrived there was nothing to tell him she was upset.

Chapter 6: Trip to Overlook

Idrias shifted in her chair again, finding it hard to sit still. She needed to go for a run, likely should have gone out last night.  However, the game went long and she didn’t end up in her own room. She was just glad that it was her habit to keep changes around the house and so she had on clean clothes before she was seen. Even though it had been a shirt and pants, not one of the dresses she had been doing her best to stay with. She said. “I am going to pass on the next hand. I want to talk to my father for a bit before the next session starts.” She felt it was best to tell him she was going out, for likely she would be seen. Still that might be a good thing, a few are looking worried again. Besides it won’t hurt to see if they are going to the overlook soon. She wanted to sweep the area before they did so, just to be extra safe. Most of the beings in the area would never attack a human, but there were some that were nasty. The little ones would be scared off by her having been there, and if there was something larger she could take care of it. She needed to hunt, the exercise would do her good.

She walked to the front room only to stop in the door for her father was holding court, which she had not remembered.  She was going to leave but then she recognized the landowner that was there, so moved on in, staying at the back. Wanting to hear what he said, for she had been y his place and it just felt strange. “My lord we had an awfully bad storm up Hight way two weeks back. It done washed out a lot of places. I fear that I lost half my Oats, all my grain and most of the corn. I just don’t know how I am going to feed my family and meet the full tax. On top of that it took out the fence and all the cows blotted, we only found four of them. Then something has been sniffing around the mill and spooking the horses and goats there. We would be grateful for what help you could lend us. I know that you have been most generous in the last few years, but it is harsh trying to make a go on the mountain.”

Landen said. “I know that there are bad years, but you see to be having a long run of them sir. I will see that we get someone out your way soon to check on the animal problem and see what we can do about your shortages. They will bring you the current tax assessment at that time.”

The farm bowed. “Thank you sir, we will be watching for him and most grateful to you.” He bowed again and left.

Landen looked at his father who nodded. Iron said. “Well done, that is one complaint to many. There is something going on. We will send a different inspector this time as well.”

Idrias looked and made sure that he had been the last petition of the day then stepped away from the wall. “Sir, I was by his place last week and there was no storm damage. However there was also no corn or grain in the fields, there was one acre of oats. The rest I did not recognize the crop from the trees and didn’t feel safe to leave them. The fences did look week, clearly, they need to be mended soon, but I saw no signs that they had been breached nor any trace of cows in the forest and no signs of any large predator. I don’t know why, but it just didn’t feel right. I was planning to go by there again for one and see if I could get a better read of the town. Now if Triumph has been in, they did have considerable losses in the storm.”

Landen was frowning a bit, clearly upset at getting yet another reminder of what she was. “Thanks, that helps. No one from Triumph was here, but then that is the town that was half washed out and said they had minor damage in those floods three years ago. I will see that they get an amended tax bill. They overpaid last year as it is. Father what do you think of sending Jane and Aron to Riverton, Jane should be able to tell what was in the fields even if he has them cleared. Aron will see that she is safe and will be able to judge the state of the people. I don’t like that sis felt unsafe. That is not normal.”

Iron nodded. “That sounds like a good plan, see to it. Idrias thank you for stay and for letting us know. Now I am sure there was something that brought you here, but I need to be getting back to the meeting, so mind if we walk and talk.”

He started walking and Idrias fell in next to him. Hoping he would understand. It was a lot to ask of him. Maybe if she went with the trip first, if it is close he will see the need for a sweep “I was wondering when you had set the trip to look out, if it is?”

Iron looked at her, and realized why she was asking. “I wasn’t thinking. They said that tomorrow would be fine, I should have told you sooner.”

Idrias said. “This works out fine, sir. The other thing that had me looking for you was to warn you that I am going to go for a run. I should have gone out last night, but I thought I could wait one more night, but I am just too restless. I just bet that someone will see me go into the forest and get alarmed, if only for show, so I wanted to warn you.”

Iron smiled. “Yes that will work and it will only help if you are seen. A few have already said that it was unsafe, that we needed to have guards. I am still not pleased with the stress that you have caused yourself, but it is helping. We are learning a good deal of what has been taught and what hasn’t been. I just hope that it isn’t too much, that the questions you have been getting haven’t been too invasive.”