The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) (56 page)

“The men are invited? To brunch?”

“Yes, and it’s time for us to head down,” Kevin said as he stood up. “Chris, are you ready?”

Chris nodded as he stood up.

“Would you like to join us, Dara?”

“I’ll … I’ll find Dayed,” Dara said as she backed out the door.

“Very well,” Kevin said with a nod. “See you there.”

~ ~ ~ ~

The brunch lasted an hour, mainly because some of the women lingered over tea and coffee. It was served buffet style with tables of varying sizes scattered over two-thirds of the dining room. The other third was set up in small sitting areas to accommodate the women after they finished eating.

The men didn’t hang around after they ate. They gathered their tools and headed towards the site for Laryn’s house. By 10:30 most of the men were there, waiting for someone to take charge. Shadron took the lead. He gathered all the men around and laid the floor plans on the ground, explaining what Laryn and Steve wanted in each area. Steve stood by and watched as everyone studied the plans.

After a couple of minutes, one of the men said he’d work on the frame for the back wall. Another said he’d take the front. Then others volunteered to take the sides, frame out the roof, work on the floors, and so on until every major aspect of the house was covered.

Shadron nodded. “We need to have the outside walls up and the roof on by nightfall. That’s seven hours from now. We’ve got several sorcerers out here. Don’t be shy about calling for one of us when you need us. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Laryn’s brother, Shadron.” He pointed towards Dayed and Kyle. “Laryn’s other two brothers, Dayed and Kyle, are also sorcerers. She’ll blame us if this house isn’t ready or if it’s not done like she wants, so don’t hesitate to call on us.” He pointed over towards Kevin and Marcus. “All of you know Myron. Today he’s just Laryn’s nephew and he’s here to work. The sorcerer next to him is his associate, Marcus. He’s done a lot of work around Milhaven and from what I understand, he’s a builder as well as a sorcerer.” He clapped his hands once and said, “Let’s get started.”

The men split off into groups and got to work. Shadron picked up the plans and put them in his pocket. He really wanted the frame up by nightfall. Tomorrow most of these men would be headed back home, but he and his brothers would still have a house to finish, and it would be a lot easier if the outside frame was done.

While the men started on the house, the women slowly migrated towards the sitting areas. Cryslyn had set up areas outside as well as in the dining room. She’d placed them so the women outside would have a good view of the playground, particularly the sandbox, swings, and see-saws. Before long, the sitting areas inside were deserted and everyone was outside ogling the playground.

Darrell figured it would be a hit with the women, so he’d arranged to have several of his guards in the area to answer questions about construction and materials. Serra knew the children wouldn’t be able to resist showing off, especially the ones who had learned to use the ropes and bars, so she’d asked Theresa to stand by, just in case.

At first the women seemed only mildly interested, glancing over at the children while chatting with each other, but as time passed, there was less and less chatting and more and more watching. Soon several of the women joined the children, asking questions about the playground in general and how they liked it. Even more questioned Serra about rules, supervision, and injuries.

The highlight of the morning was Caitlyn’s impromptu performance. She was in the sandbox when one of the women sat on the edge and asked what she was doing. That was all the opening she needed. She went through a piece by piece demonstration of the toys Neiven had made. She showed them how to use the little bucket to build a sand castle and used the tiny shovel to put a river out back so it would be just like her castle. She stood some twigs up in the sand and explained that they were trees. By the time her castle was finished, most of the women wanted sandboxes for their own children. For the next hour, the guards were busy drawing sketches of the playground and listing materials needed for each section.

While most of the women were oohing and aahing over the playground, one woman sat by herself near the edge of the patio with her eyes glued on Serra. Her face was unnaturally white and she kept clenching and unclenching her hands.

Theresa noticed the woman’s hands first, and then her face. She inched her way closer to the woman, trying to make up her mind whether to approach her or not. Theresa decided to err on the side of caution. “Excuse me,” she said, bending down in front of the woman, “are you all right?”

“I’m … I’m not sure,” the woman said, more to herself than to Theresa.

Theresa knelt down and put her hands on the woman’s knees. “Can I get you something? Maybe a cup of tea?”

“I can’t be sure,” she mumbled again. She tilted her head towards Serra. “Do you know her name?”

Theresa turned to see who the woman was talking about. “Do you mean the lady in the blue dress? The one holding the little girl’s hand?”

The woman nodded.

“Her name’s Serra. She supervises the playground.”

“Serra,” the woman whispered. “It can’t be. There’s no way.”

Theresa had no idea what the woman was talking about, but her color wasn’t improving and her eyes were more glazed than they’d been earlier. Theresa eased herself up until she was standing beside the woman. While she kept her hand on the woman’s shoulder she looked around trying to spot someone from the kitchen staff. Finally she saw Carrie. She waved until she caught Carrie’s eye and motioned her over.

“Would you please ask Miranda to send me a strong cup of tea?” Theresa asked. “And a cool cloth?”

“Sure,” Carrie said with a quick glance at the woman sitting on the chair. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe too much sun, maybe fatigue, but I’m afraid she’ll faint if she tries to stand up.” Theresa looked back at the woman. “Please hurry, Carrie.”

“Anything to eat?” Carrie asked.

“Maybe something sweet.”

Carrie nodded and left.

Theresa knelt back down in front of the woman and moved into her line of sight. “My name’s Theresa. Can you tell me yours?”

“Yani,” the woman whispered. “Thanzer’s wife, of Lochland.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Yani,” Theresa said. “I’ve asked one of the kitchen staff to bring you some tea. I think it’ll make you feel better. What happened? Did you get too much sun?”

Yani shook her head and tilted her head towards Serra. “She looks so much like … Do you know where she’s from?”

Theresa shook her head. “But I do know her mother lives in Milhaven.”

“Her mother?” Yani said, breaking her eyes away from Serra to stare at Theresa. “Elayne?”

Theresa shook her head. “Her mother’s name is Debra. She’s married to Korman, the village blacksmith.”

Yani shook her head, looking more confused than ever. “Are you sure?”

Theresa nodded. “Yes, I’m quite sure.”

“It can’t be …” Yani’s face lost most of its expression as her eyes shifted back to Serra and glazed back over.

Carrie stepped up with a cup of tea and a small plate of pastries. “Is she going to be all right?”

“I’m not sure,” Theresa said softly. “She’s a bit confused. Maybe we better take her to the chapel and let her rest a bit. I think she’s one of the ones staying there anyway, but I’d like for you to check with Joan and be sure. Her name’s Yani, Thanzer’s wife, of Lochland. And would you tell Joan we’ll need a buggy back here? I’m not sure she should try to walk around front right now.”

Carrie nodded and took off again.

“Yani, I want you to drink this tea.” Theresa put the cup in the woman’s hand and helped her lift it towards her lips. “Just take a few sips.”

While Theresa was helping Yani drink the tea, Carrie was in Joan’s office explaining about Yani. When Petri heard what Carrie said, he offered to get a buggy and drive Yani down himself. After he left for the stable, Joan looked Yani up in the housing list. When she found the woman’s name, she nodded. “Theresa’s right. She’s staying at the chapel, so her clothes will be there. She can change into something more comfortable. Did Theresa say what’s wrong?”

Carrie shook her head no. “All I know is she looks like she’ll pass out if she stands up. I have no idea what’s causing it, and from what Theresa said, I don’t think she does either.”

Joan nodded. “The chapel’s the best place for her. Would you get one of the guards to ride down and let Sister Agnes know she has a patient on the way?”

Carried nodded. “Anything else?”

“Find out whether or not Theresa’s going with her and let me know.”

Carrie was heading out the door when Joan added, “And Carrie?”

Carrie turned back towards Joan, eyebrows raised.

“Thank you.”

Chapter 52

The Reception

Around 12:30, Serra turned the playground over to one of the mothers who helped with afternoon supervision so she could take Caitlyn home for a nap. The little girl had had a busy morning entertaining the wives, and even though the excitement of being the center of attention was still bright in her eyes, her eyelids were beginning to droop. Serra had barely gotten the child in bed before Caitlyn’s eyelids closed and her breathing settled into the soft whispers of sleep.

Allisandra, Danyelle, and Gracie had spent most of the morning preparing for the reception. The entrance hall was set up for refreshments. One table held a variety of finger sandwiches, cheese trays, bread baskets, and plates of fruits and vegetables cut in bite size pieces. A second table held cakes, platters of cookies, brownies, and fruit tarts. A smaller third table had cups, saucers, mugs, dessert plates, and eating utensils, and a final table held pitchers of water, tea, coffee, and scog.

Each table had a small centerpiece made from Allisandra’s flowers, but the main flower arrangements were in the sitting room where everyone would gather. The women had removed all but one of the armchairs and brought in two more couches, giving them four in all. Then they added a dozen small straight back chairs and two long benches. In the far corner, they had two tables, one against each of the walls, with the armchair between them. They planned to have Laryn sit there to receive her gifts.

Danyelle grinned as Allisandra put the finishing touches on Laryn’s chair. “You know she’s going to hate it, right?”

Allisandra laughed. “I know. It’s way too fussy for her. She’d rather have one of the kitchen chairs, but this isn’t for her, it’s for the wives. Wait until you see the crown of flowers I made for her to wear.”

“She’s going to kill you!”

“No she won’t,” Allisandra said, rubbing her belly. “I’m eight months pregnant. Do you know how easy it is for me to tear up right now? She’ll do it.”

Danyelle shook her head. “It’s not fair to use that against her, Alli. And Laryn has a long memory.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

“Do you think she’ll wear a dress this afternoon?”

“That’s Cryslyn’s department. We picked one out last night and Cryslyn guaranteed me she’d get her in it. It’ll look great with the flowers in her crown.”

“Well, we’ll see, but if she’s in a tunic and leggings, that crown’s going to look awfully silly.”

Allisandra shook her head. “You’ll see. She’ll not only have on a dress, she’ll have on the perfect dress.”

While they’d been talking, Allisandra had been fussing with the arrangements around the room. Finally she turned around in a full circle looking at the overall effect. “That’ll do. When are they supposed to start getting here?”

“Any minute,” Joan answered from the sitting room door. She glanced around the room and let out a low whistle. “This is amazing. You two do good work.”

“Thank you, but this was my part,” Allisandra said. “Danyelle’s starts now.” She turned to her sister. “Where’s your flute?”

Danyelle pulled it out of a pocket in her skirt and turned to Joan. “Where would you like for me to sit? In here? In the entrance way? On the stairs?”

“I’m not sure,” Joan said as she looked around.

“First things first,” Allisandra interrupted. “Are you going to join her? We hear you play the harp, but I don’t see it around here anywhere.”

“I do, but not today. There are too many things I need to keep an eye on. Maybe later, while the women are waiting for their rides, but not now.”

“All right,” Danyelle said. “Why don’t I sit on the stairs for now and find a spot in here near the back after everyone gets a plate?” When Joan nodded, Danyelle turned to Allisandra. “Make sure I have a place to sit.”

Allisandra nodded, turned one of the straight back chairs in the back row sideways, sat down, and put her feet up in the one next to her. “What do you want to bet no one asks me to move my feet?”

“You’re milking this pregnancy for all it’s worth,” Danyelle said.

“You better believe it. Now scoot. You’ve got music to play and I want a quick nap.”

Danyelle settled at the top of the stairs and played her flute as the guests arrived and mingled. The music danced around the room, playful and lively, soft enough not to interfere with conversation, but loud enough to be heard without straining.

Joan stood back and watched as platters of food were whisked away and replaced with fresh ones. The servers were so quiet and efficient none of the guests seemed to notice their existence. When they were first planning this reception, Gracie had told her to leave the servers to her, so she had. She wasn’t sure who the servers were or where they’d come from, but they were as good as any she’d ever seen on Earth.

A few minutes later, Laryn arrived, in one of the most beautiful dresses Joan had ever seen. It was deep blue, and the way the fabric flowed with her every move, it gave the illusion of multiple shades. Her thick black hair was loose and fell in soft waves past her shoulders. Laryn looked distinctly uncomfortable and beautiful at the same time.

Before Laryn made it through the door, Allisandra rushed over and took charge, pointing to the seat of honor in the corner between the two tables that were already piled high with presents. As they crossed the room, Allisandra explained the order of events for the afternoon. Then she brought out the crown. What she saw in Laryn’s eyes wasn’t gratitude. It wasn’t even pleasure. It was complete and total horror.