Journey of the Messenger Cycle 2 Part 4b

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The attempted assassination had caused their departure to be further delayed. Ijah had been surprisingly unconcerned, likely due to her need to heal. They had taken advantage of Lord Jostan’s hospitality, eating hearty meals, engaging in light exercise and resting. Roddarra had finished reading Burgundy’s Collected Poetry, the older Maldorn language had been a bit of a challenge, she had certainly missed the point of some of the pieces and suspected she may have missed a lot of the subtleties throughout most of it.

She had, of course, seen her cousin off. Despite her own misgivings, Morathagga presented her with a letter, giving her a significant line of credit to outfit herself for the coming campaigning season, and another letter, to inform the household that Roddarra and guests would be using her husband’s West Port property throughout the winter. Lastly there had been an admonishment regarding husbands, heirs and her duty to the family.

Roddarra had been happy to see her cousin, happier still to see her go and angry about the pointed suggestions regarding her duty. She had tucked the letters in with her travel gear and promptly tried to forget about them. That, however, was not so easy as putting the letters out of sight.

Elli, the minstrel Ijah had performed with, had spent the early afternoons in their rooms and would apparently be travelling to West Port with them. Roddarra was still unsure how she felt about Elli. Certainly the woman was attractive, well spoken and had received a good education. Ijah and the minstrel spent much of their time together talking about music, dance and Kereshi customs. The two of them were at ease with each other and they shared a casual intimacy that put Roddarra on her guard.

She had tried to include herself in some of their discussions, but Elli always became more formal, overly aware of Roddarra’s status and her connection to Lord Jostan. So, she had given them more space, finding another book to read, sometimes watching them surreptitiously. She would periodically lose herself in fancy, imagining the three of them in more intimate situations.

Eventually they received confirmation of their departure and an invitation to sup with Lord Jostan the evening before. They dressed in their finest clothes when the time came, Ijah looked ravishing in the gown Dan’Daleen had crafted for her. Ijah had felt the same way regarding what Roddarra was wearing, but as usual Roddarra always felt a bit out of place wearing an elegant dress, she had always preferred riding leathers.

The meal was a private affair, just the three of them with only a few servants to attend their needs. Lord Jostan was more subdued than usual. Much of the first part of the meal passed in silence and she found his relative passivity disconcerting. Eventually she asked, “Is everything well with you, my lord?”

“Hmm, yes, yes. Sorry Lady Roddarra, Ijah, I must apologize. I’ve been a bit distracted the last few days.”

“Having someone infiltrate your house and then try to kill you is bound to give you something to reflect on.” Ijah offered graciously.

He sighed, like a disgruntled adolescent, “It has less to do with that and more to do with what my physician suggested.”

“Oh?” Roddarra encouraged him to continue.

“Well… He said that I should eat and drink less. With a strong suggestion that an increase in my daily exercise would also be required.”

Ijah gave a nod, “That’s always good advice.”

Jostan directed a frown in the Kereshi’s direction. Roddarra refrained from adding a comment. His Lordship gave another sigh and a begrudging nod, “You are likely correct, Ijah.”

After a brief pause he continued, “I guess in the last few years I’ve let things slip a bit. Certainly, since I stepped down from actively commanding my mercenaries there has been less for me to do. As a result I’ve been more consumed with indulgence… and I have made no real effort to find a wife… or, produce an heir…”

He fell silent, glanced at Roddarra then quickly looked away. She feared the direction the conversation was taking. Specifically, neither of them had brought up the subject of their earlier courtship, she had hoped that topic had become irrelevant. Now they were on the verge of that emotional abyss, and Jostan was obviously in a sensitive mood. She held her breath, dreading what he would say next.

“The truth is; seeing you two, hearing about some of your adventures, seeing you are both involved in the conflict with the Tannicans… it has, well, it’s made me… uncomfortably aware of how unfulfilled I have felt over the past years.”

Rather bluntly, Ijah asked, “What do you intend to do about that?”

“Well, aside from the obvious fact I should choose a wife and make some children, I’m thinking I might take a more active role in the goings on within the kingdom. Gods, there is so much going on… These Freemen, the Tannicans, the troubles in the protectorates… plenty to deal with.”

Roddarra and her companion kept quiet, having ceased eating. Jostan snorted and gave a dismissive wave, “I apologize. My melancholy mood has ruined the meal. I had intended to express my gratitude and admiration for what you two did the other night. If not for you, I’d not be here lamenting my woes. So with that in mind, let us change stride and move on to better topics.”

He waved the servants over, had them clear away what was left of the meal, then two of them brought in a large covered painting and placed in on a display stand. Jostan stood, “My photographist and artisans put this together for me.” He gestured to the servants and one of them removed the covering on the painting, “Come, take a look.”

They went over to the stand and Ijah gave a small gasp. Roddarra was impressed, though she had seen what photographists could produce before. Ijah asked, “That box made this? How?”

Jostan laughed, pleased with his guest’s wonder, “I’m not really sure how it is done, but the general mechanic, as I understand it, is that light is captured on or in the device, in much the same way as a mirror. Though the image is made permanent on the special panel the photographist places into the box. Multiple copies can be made, of various sizes afterwards.”

The image was of she and Ijah, it had been secured in a heavy wooden frame and a small copper plaque read, “Lady Roddarra of Herlington and Ijah Gahm of the Kereshi, did save Lord Jostan Harlk, commander of the Black Tower from an assassin on the twelfth day of the month of the Raven in the year 377 NK.”

“I intend to have it hung in the Hall of Heroes, as well, my bard, Thandi, will compose a song to memorialize your actions. I also had these made.” He waved another servant over.

The servant came forward and opened a wooden box containing two matching lockets, Lord Jostan presented one to each of them. Roddarra open hers, within was a much smaller copy of the photograph of she and Ijah, the other side contained a picture of Lord Jostan.

Ijah was obviously moved by the gift, “Thank you, Lord Jostan. Such a fine treasure. You have been very generous to us.”

“Well, whatever the future holds for the three of us, I shall remember your visit to my palace with great fondness. If the gods will it, we shall meet again under different circumstances and I shall hear of your further exploits.”

Roddarra gave him a hug, “You’ve been an excellent friend to me, despite everything. Thank you.”

Jostan returned the hug, “You will always be welcome. You as well, Ijah.”

“You honour me, Lord Jostan.” She bowed formally.

“Ah, I think for the past few years I’ve been at a loss as to what to do with myself. Going forward I intend to be more practical with my activities. Starting tomorrow, I will begin the fast my physician suggested and then take the winter to prepare myself and my holdings for what needs to be dealt with. The Bounty Fool has been prepared, crewed and will be ready for departure at dawn or any time thereafter, as you choose.”

They exchanged a few more pleasantries, then Lord Jostan left them. Roddarra looked to Ijah, “We should make sure we’re prepared for tomorrow’s departure. Shall we return to our rooms?”

Ijah gave a bit of a smile, “Well, I’ve been ready to leave for days now.”

Roddarra took her by the arm and they walked back to their suite, “What about all the clothing in your wardrobe?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure what to do with all that.”

“I’m sure the servants can provide us with the appropriate luggage. We certainly cannot leave it behind.”

“No, I’d guess that would be taken rather poorly. I’m not sure I will ever wear any of it again… And, I certainly don’t think I’ll be carrying all of it back to Swampdon with me.”

“Well, we’ll be rather well presented in West Port then, for the winter.”

“Um. Perhaps I can sell it and give you the proceeds for your return home.”

Roddarra gave a dry laugh, “I guess. I’m rather well set up in that regard. My cousin’s husband has let me the use his West Port property for the winter. I’m pretty sure you will have the chance to wear your fancy clothing again.”

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