The Finding (22 page)

She could barely see the people standing below her through her blurred vision, but she spotted the two children who’d run off to fetch help and a taller, dark-haired young man standing next to them. It was funny how friendly and concerned everyone became when she was in actual danger, Jahrra thought bitterly.

The young man promptly told Jahrra to hold on just a bit longer and began to climb the tree as fast as he could. Jahrra was comforted that help was finally here, but she was growing cold and tired, and her leg was throbbing, her head pounding.

What bothered her most, however, was the thought of what Hroombra would say when he saw her. She’d ruined the nice new clothes he’d gone to so much trouble to get for her and she’d let her anger and stubbornness get the better of her. She felt hot, fresh tears forming in her eyes again and knew that they were not meant for the pain and humiliation she felt at losing to Eydeth. They were for the shame she felt for letting Hroombra down.

The young man reached Jahrra in no time and managed to gently untangle her, carrying her back down the tree like an over-sized rag doll. Once on solid ground, he set her down to see if she could stand on her leg, and surprisingly she could, but not without a little help.

Everyone was gathered around to gawk at her as if she had narrowly escaped death, and Jahrra was starting to think that she had. She shivered and lowered her head, feeling suffocated by all of the staring faces. Her hair had come loose from Gieaun’s earlier efforts and it was now tangled with twigs and dead leaves. Her palms and arms were covered in cuts and abrasions beneath the dirt and grime, and there was a raw scrape running down her shin.

Gieaun pushed her way through the crowd and flung her arms around Jahrra, her face shining with tears. The force of it knocked her off balance and both girls fell to the ground, adding a few more bruises to Jahrra’s already bedraggled state.

Jahrra barely noticed. The entire unfolding of events had her dazed and all she wanted to do was get to somewhere warm, even if it meant being in a stuffy mansion full of disapproving, haughty party guests.

Scede came over and pulled them both up, looking very relieved that his friend was finally safe from immediate harm. Jahrra murmured a weak thanks as the young servant draped a blanket around her shoulders. Once she was able to walk without collapsing, the entire group began the journey back, Jahrra in the middle with the young man on one side and Scede and Gieaun on the other to help. Everyone clamored timidly around Jahrra like guilty marauders waiting to catch a wobbly vase before it crashed to the ground.

As they began their slow progress back towards the house, it was clear that Jahrra had become the center of attention. It was no surprise, then, that nobody noticed Eydeth’s form climbing carefully down the canyon wall except for his sister. Once both his feet were on level ground Ellysian stalked up to him in that obscene dress of hers and demanded, “What on Ethoes just happened?! Did you push her or did she fall?”

Eydeth brushed off his mud-stained pants and tunic and turned to his sister with a sneer.

“I pulled her down, of course.”

Ellysian was taken aback and donned a patronizing look.

“What?” demanded Eydeth, annoyed at his sister’s condescending glare.

“Oh, I’m not disappointed that she fell, that was a nice little trick you just came up with,” she answered haughtily, crossing her arms smoothly.

“Well, what’s the problem then?” Eydeth growled.

“If mother and father find out what really happened . . .” began Ellysian angrily.

“They won’t!” Eydeth cut her off. “And if someone tells them, I’ll just say it isn’t true. Who’re they going to believe, those three Nesnan-lovers or their own children?”

Eydeth looked like a prize rooster who’d just lost the first fight of his life and Ellysian would have laughed at him, but it wasn’t worth the effort.

After thinking about the situation for a while, Ellysian saw that her brother was right. She wasn’t about to concede however, without adding her own thoughts. She screwed up her mouth in an unpleasant smirk and said, “Too bad your plan completely backfired.”

“How do you mean?” Eydeth asked, pausing in his attempt to scrape off the layers of moss and icy mud. Jahrra may not have been hurt, but she had been ridiculed.

“Now everyone is sympathizing with her, and she’ll most definitely tell them the whole story. Mother and father we may be able to fool, but everyone else knows how much we despise the Nesnan and her friends.”

Eydeth stood up straight, dark, muddy water dripping from his hands, and narrowed his eyes. Slowly he began to see the truth in what his sister said and his expression turned from disappointment to anger.

“Don’t worry,” Ellysian added as they walked back to their house in the growing darkness, “we’ll find a way to get back at her, somehow.”

-
Chapter Fifteen
-

Friends in Unexpected Places

The sight of Jahrra being half carried, half dragged back to the house by her friends and one of the servants must have been quite a sight for the lord and lady of the great house to behold. Fortunately, they were too busy indulging their adult guests to notice not only the large party now approaching, but also the fact that they had been short twenty or so children for quite some time now.

The knowledge that she might’ve been missed didn’t bother Jahrra one bit. In fact, she was greatly pleased by it. The last thing she wanted to do was draw more attention to herself by causing a scene among so many disapproving people. The large, strangely-silent mob stopped at the bottom of the staircase leading up to the back patio, eyes still wide with shock from what had happened in the canyon.

The young man who had come to the rescue turned, left Jahrra to lean against Scede, and addressed the other children, “Now, I’m going to take this young lady into the kitchens so she can clean up. I suggest the rest of you return to the party and enjoy the rest of your night.”

The Nesnan man, who didn’t look much older than Jahrra’s oldest schoolmates, had a kindly tone of voice and seemed genuinely concerned about Jahrra’s recovery. He also seemed quite aware of how this scene would be received by the host and hostess. Jahrra had a feeling that he knew the master and mistress of the house would be more horrified at the idea of a girl covered in mud than at the fact she’d nearly been killed.

The young servant looked over the children once again, his eyes dark and his mouth set sternly. He clasped his hands casually in front of him, as if patiently waiting for an unruly party guest to finish a long-winded complaint.  It seemed to work because gradually the school children began shuffling their way up the stairs, leaving only Scede and Gieaun remaining.

“Now, how about it?” he asked, jerking his head toward the stairs after the other children.

“She’s our best friend,” Gieaun said, tears swimming in her eyes as she hugged Jahrra’s overly-abused jacket. “Can’t we go with her?”

She looked up at the young man with pleading eyes, and he sighed, dropping all pretenses. “Of course, of course. I just hope you three don’t mind spending the rest of the evening in the kitchen with us lowly servants.” He smiled warmly and Jahrra cheered up a bit.

The young man went on to explain to them that the two children who came and got him told him all about what had happened.

“It just isn’t right, treating people so. I know how you feel.”

He patted Jahrra on the shoulder and instead of heading up the stairs they took a narrow stone path leading under the raised terrace and across a narrow footbridge over the creek.

“Where exactly are we going?” asked Scede cautiously.

“To the lowest level of the house, where the kitchens and servants’ quarters are,” he replied. “Don’t worry. The partygoers won’t venture down here. You’ll have a chance to clean up and get something to eat. And if you wish to stay, you’re welcome to partake in our own humble celebration of the Solsticetide.”

He smiled down at the younger boy and Scede returned the gesture weakly.

Jahrra thought her rescuer had a charming smile and although his face showed that he was tired, his dark brown eyes laughed when he grinned. At the other end of the footbridge there was another stone deck, one that was attached to the north wall of the house. The young man led the children up to a wooden door and knocked at it strongly. A few seconds later a short, rather round woman jerked the door open in alarm.

“Lahnehn! Where ya’ been? We been lookin’ all over for ya’!” she exclaimed.

She seemed quite perturbed and relieved at the same time. Her face was pink and shining with sweat as if she’d been slaving over a stove all day. Her light brown hair was streaked evenly with gray and was tied back tightly in a bun, all except for a crown of lose tendrils that floated around her tired face. Her brow was furrowed and her small russet eyes were narrowed.

“Many sorrys Mrs. Addie, but you see I was called away for an emergency of sorts,” the young man explained guiltily as he gestured towards Jahrra. “This young lady was enticed up the falls at the end of the canyon by our young master, and she fell only to be caught by a patch of oak branches.”

“Oh, my!” the older lady retorted.

Her stern demeanor softened for a heartbeat but hardened once again as she placed her hands on her hips.

“That youngin’ is too brash I tell ya’, far too brash gettin’ others into trouble. Come in dearie, we’ll fix ya’ up. I’ll call in some of the younger ‘uns to get ya’ cleaned up and then we’ll fetch ya’ somethin’ to eat. Thank goo’ness for the oak tho’. Ethoes herself musta been watchin’ out for ya.”

The woman shoved her sleeves farther up her plump arms and fluttered off in a flurry of skirts while the young man led the children into what could only be the kitchen. The warmth of the room was welcoming to Jahrra, who was dripping and freezing from the cold mud that coated the entire front of her body.

As she stood waiting to thaw out, she scanned the large room now surrounding her. There were three long, heavy wooden tables stretched across the floor, all of which were covered in food awaiting preparation. Four great stone ovens were set deep in the wall at the far end of the hall with a doorway and staircase, presumably leading to the upper levels of the house, placed on either side of them. On the right hand side of the kitchen was a great basin for washing and preparing food, and on both sides of this basin was a door leading to another room.

The kitchen was buzzing quietly with the sounds of boiling water and simmering soups, but it wasn’t yet clattering and roaring with the clamor caused by busy chefs trying to get dinner ready on time. Jahrra sighed sleepily, detecting the subtle flavors of fresh herbs and spices hanging in the warm air.

A few minutes later Mrs. Addie returned with two younger women, one skinny and sickly looking, the other tall and plump with smallish eyes. Both women looked worn down, but they had kind faces and managed to cheerfully lead Jahrra through one of the two doors near the gargantuan wash basin.

Jahrra stepped easily into the other room, realizing instantly that it was the living quarters for the house servants. She counted a dozen or so rows of beds with only curtains to give privacy, and just one large window on the far end of the room. Under the window there was an area with a tub for bathing and washing up. Jahrra stood grazing her eyes over the walls, floor and ceiling while the women hauled in hot water, soap, towels and spare clothes. Once the tub was filled, they left Jahrra to soak in the steaming, fragrant water.

“But my clothes, what’ll I do with them?” she asked sullenly before the servants left.

“Don’t worry lass, we’ll put ‘em to soak. Maybe they’ll be all well after all,” said the thin woman, smiling warmly.

After she was dry and bandaged, Jahrra returned to the kitchen to find Gieaun and Scede sitting below the great window next to the staircase leading up to the second floor. The window was recessed into the wall with a wide ledge, perfect for cooling an army of pies or providing a nice place to sit and take a break from kitchen work.

The window looked out over the creek and although it wasn’t constructed of the beautiful tiny, diamond-paned glass of the upper level of the house, it was still majestic in its simple design. The walls on either side of it were draped in garlands of holly, ivy, pine branches and mistletoe and trimmed with delicate gold ribbon. Jahrra smiled at the sight, grateful to be in this wonderful place and not upstairs.

Gieaun and Scede were sitting on cushions that someone had acquired for them and were now watching the creek run by. Once they caught sight of Jahrra, however, they immediately jumped up from their relaxed position and nearly crushed her lungs with their hugs.

Once settled, Jahrra informed them of what really happened at the top of the waterfall. Gieaun had to help her hold Scede back when he tried to march up the stairs in search of Eydeth.

“I’ll kill him!” he breathed.

Shortly after Jahrra assured her friends she would be fine, the young servant who’d helped her earlier came out of one of the rooms beside the basin carrying a bundle of blankets.

“I know they aren’t much, but with the fire from the ovens they should keep you warm.”

He grinned and dropped the bundle on top of them, causing them to laugh for the first time that day.

“Now,” he continued with a sly grin, “I’ve got to go check on the guests right now, but later I hope to see you three drinking cocoa and cream and listening to the tales and music of these fine people down here.”

He winked and left them just as the kitchen grew busy with life. There were many servants, young and old, men and women, of all shapes and sizes, but all Nesnan from the looks of it. There were five chefs and bakers, two men and three women, who prepared and cooked the food. The meat that had already been roasting when the three friends first arrived was now being removed from the spits and cut and placed on ornate dishes. Soups and stews were ladled out, fresh baked bread sliced and buttered, fruits and vegetables roasted and sugared. Puddings, pies and cakes were put into the ovens or arranged beautifully on plates.

The clanking and scuffling of utensils and feet upon the worn stone floor filled the air and blended with the hum of voices and the minute crackle of the oven fires. Jahrra’s mouth began watering as the aroma of roasting meat and vegetables, creamy soups and baking pastries spread throughout the room. She leaned into her soft pillow with a contented sigh and wrapped the thick quilt more tightly around her. Her leg was feeling much better now that she had soaked it in the hot water, and the steaming tea that one of the kitchen workers handed her was easing the pain in her head. The only discomfort the three friends felt was their growing hunger, made worse by the tantalizing aromas of the feast.

After several minutes, Jahrra’s rescuer returned from upstairs quite flustered, almost overlooking the three children he’d left on the windowsill.

“Oh, forgive me,” he said once he finally noticed them. “Some of those high society types can be quite frustrating. Sing and dance for them indeed!”

The children giggled into their blankets and the young man soon forgot the rude guests.

“I’m terribly sorry, I never introduced myself,” he said lightly once the children recovered from their amusement. “I’m called Lahnehn, and you three are?”

Jahrra, Gieaun and Scede introduced themselves in turn, shaking hands and smiling.

“Pleased to meet you all,” Lahnehn remarked. “Now, I can only assume that you’re growing quite hungry?”

They all nodded vigorously and Lahnehn invited them to join him in making a plate from the food on the tables. Along the way, he introduced them to the many servants and cooks, all of whom were delighted to have such young visitors in the kitchens. Once the four had their food they returned to the windowsill to watch the twilight sky turn inky blue. Jahrra, Gieaun and Scede sat back onto their cushions and Lahnehn pulled up a stool.

“So, where do you three come from?” he asked as they began to eat their meal of roast turkey, herbed potatoes, wild berry casserole and spiced apple cider.

“We come from the Great Sloping Hill to the south, but we go to school in Aldehren,” Scede replied around a mouthful of stuffing.

“Ah, and this is how you became classmates of my young masters then?” Lahnehn commented with arched eyebrows, “How do you like school?”

“It’s horrible,” replied Jahrra truthfully. “I’d much rather learn all my lessons from Master Hroombra.”

“Master Hroombra? I’ve never heard of a teacher by that name.” Lahnehn stabbed at a few chunks of golden potatoes with his fork, and then turned his head back to Jahrra, waiting for her answer.

“He’s my guardian,” Jahrra replied, then added confidently, “he’s a great dragon who knows everything there is to know.”

Lahnehn looked up quickly, choking somewhat on his food. “A dragon? Here in the southern part of Oescienne? I’ve never seen such a thing!”

The look on his face was a mixture of delight and surprise.

“Do you travel south of the Raenyan Valley often?” Jahrra queried rather casually.

“Nay, once or twice a year I’ll travel into Aldehren or to the coast, but that’s as far as I go. I mainly stay here or visit Kiniahn Kroi.”

“Well,” interjected Jahrra rather pertly, “Master Hroombra rarely travels also. He can no longer fly and walks slowly, so he mainly stays at the Castle Guard Ruin where I live.”

Jahrra lost her gumption when she suddenly remembered why she was in the kitchen in the first place and not up in the main part of the house. She’d let Hroombra down, and her dread and guilt suddenly returned at the memory.

Lahnehn sensed a change in her demeanor and tried to continue the conversation casually. “You live with a dragon? That must be quite interesting. What’s he like?”

“He’s kind, and is patient with me when I make mistakes. He’ll not be happy with what I did today,” Jahrra answered sadly, suddenly uninterested in her dinner.

Lahnehn realized he’d brought up a sore subject and tried to redeem himself. “Don’t worry, he’ll understand. He may seem angry at first, but it’s only because he cares for your safety. Come now, let’s talk about something else.”