Ynyr (Tornians Book 3) (26 page)

“Didn’t Kim show you?”

“She showed me how to work the comm.”

“But forgot about the video…” after following Lisa’s instructions Abby was ecstatic to see Lisa’s smiling face on her wrist unit. “It can also be done from a communications unit,” Lisa told her, “it’s kind of like Skype.”

“Oh wow… that’s so cool! I mean I was excited to just be able to contact you, but to actually
see
you,
see
the girls, this is going to be great!”

“It is. Now what’s wrong?”

“I need your help…” Abby went on to tell Lisa all about what she had found not only in House Bertos but in Risa’s chambers. What she had done so far and what she needed help with.

“Wow…” Lisa’s eyes were wide as she looked at Abby. “I never even considered…. What was in the female’s level when I arrived on Luda was… I mean it
filled
our House… but to have that times
five
!!!!”

“I know! What am I supposed to
do
with it Lisa? I mean it was
Risa’s
!”

“Yeah, I hear you, she was a bitch, but Abby, she’s gone. She can’t taunt or harass you anymore.”

“I know that, but so much here just feels ‘wrong’. Do you know what I mean? I mean I’ve gotten rid of most of Bertos’ things but these things…. Lisa these things are v
aluable
. Males worked their whole lives to acquire them. How do I just throw them away?”

“You don’t.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?”

“Go through it Abby. Yes, it will take some time, but it will give you something to do while Ynyr is getting his House secure. Once it is,
then
you can start making it a home.”

“But…”

“Just listen, I understand your concerns. Goddess just thinking about having to touch the same things those two did…” Abby saw the shiver that went through Lisa. “But not
everything
can be that way… just like the bed frame you told me about.”

“Agreed.”

“So go through it and decide if you want to keep it. If you don’t and it is valuable then I’m sure there is something that can be done with it. Maybe it can be sold and the proceeds go to help someone else. Wouldn’t that just burn Risa’s butt to know that
her
things were being used to
help
someone.”

“Goddess… she’d roll over in her grave.”

“Kind of makes you want to do it, doesn’t it.”

“Goddess yes.”

Abby and Lisa finished their talk and Abby actually got to speak to Miki and Carly, who had come rushing in to tell Lisa how Grim taught them to flip on the trampo. Ending the transmission Abby was smiling and not feeling nearly as overwhelmed as she had.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

“Everything is alright, my Lady?” Paganus asked.

Abby turned to find him standing just inside the resting chamber’s door. “Have you been there the whole time Paganus?”

“Oh no, my Lady. I would never intrude on your privacy.” Paganus was aghast at the thought. “I was just bringing you your midday meal.” He looked down to the platter, he carried.

“Midday meal?” Abby’s eyes flew to the windows and saw the sun shining brightly. Had she really been on the comm that long? “My goodness I hadn’t realized… I’m sorry Paganus.”

“For what my Lady?” Walking over, he set down the platter.

“For letting time get away from me. I’ve kept you waiting.”

“It is what I am here for my Lady and once you eat I will have the new mattress brought in.”

“It’s done?!!”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“Then have it brought in! Oh, I’m so excited.”

“But… your meal…”

Abby waved a dismissive hand. “It can wait,” she said not realizing she had shocked Paganus.

“If that is what you wish my Lady.”

“It is.”

Turning Paganus walked over to the double wide doors and opened them, revealing Mabon, Lotem, Pranav and Bron standing there struggling to keep the massive mattress upright.

“Bring it in.” Paganus ordered and the four quickly obeyed.

“What about sheets Paganus?” Abby asked.

“I had some made my Lady but I am not sure they will be to your liking.”

“Why not?” Abby asked, frowning at him.

“The only material I had available was not to the standards Bertos or Risa demanded and is white. I can get some,” he quickly informed her, “I just need to know what color you wish.”

“I see.” Abby stared at Paganus for a moment. “This
material
you are using, would anyone other than Risa and Bertos find it adequate?”

“Oh yes, my Lady.”

“Then it will be fine as for the color… what should it be?”

“Many chose their House color my Lady.”

“Oh… well, I’m not sure what color Ynyr is going to choose for that so white is fine.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Paganus turned to the trainees. “Get to the training fields.”

“Yes Master Paganus. My Lady.” They all chorused then hustled out of the room.

“Training fields?”

“Yes, my Lady. Lord Ynyr has ordered all trainees to the field so they may be evaluated as to whether they shall remain within his House.”

“I see.”

“There is something else my Lady.”

“What is it Paganus?”

“Woodworker Cairbre has arrived.”

“Who?” Abby gave him a confused look.

“Woodworker Cairbre, my Lady. My relative,” he reminded her.

“Oh! The one who might be able to make furniture for me.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Paganus nodded.

“But I thought you said he wouldn’t come?”

“I… convinced him that it would be in his best interest my Lady.”

“Convinced him… Paganus what did you do?”

“He threatened to have my shop and home destroyed!” The angry voice had Abby spinning towards the door and Paganus drawing his sword.

“How dare you enter my Lady’s resting chamber?!!” Paganus placed himself between him and Abby. “You were told to wait outside the Wing.”

“This is the
Lord’s
resting chamber.” The male argued, “It was where I was ordered to come and here I am!” Cairbre’s eyes traveled to the small female that stepped out from behind Paganus, shocked at what he saw. She was tiny, not at all like a Tornian female. Her hair a light golden color with darker streaks in it and her eyes were a startling blue. Who was this creature?

“My Lord and Lady rest together! This is
their
chamber and you will not enter without permission! You will apologize to my Lady. Now! Or you will meet the Goddess this day.”

“Paganus, it’s okay.” Abby put a gentle hand on his sword arm. “I’m sure Woodworker Cairbre meant no offense. Did you Cairbre?” While her words were soft and gentle the eyes that met Cairbre’s were not.

“I… Of course not… ” the male stumbled over his words, not sure how he was to respond. This female was speaking
directly
to him. She had
touched
Paganus. What in the name of the Goddess was going on? “I was told I was needed to see to the piece of furniture in the Lord’s chamber… it is why I entered.”

“I see… so Warrior Navon and Warrior Morio just
let
you enter this wing?
Unannounced
?” That had been one thing Ynyr had told her before he rushed out. That Navon and Morio were now assigned to her as guards.

“I know not the names of the warriors.” Cairbre said, eyeing her warily.

“Warrior Navon and Warrior Morio are not at the door my Lady. Lord Ynyr gave them time to become familiar with the House before their return.” Slowly Paganus sheathed his sword. “Menawa and Oscosh are at the door. Yet I find it hard to believe they would just let Cairbre pass.”

“I was helping the trainees with the mattress.” Cairbre finally admitted.

“And they did not question you!” Paganus was outraged. “This must be corrected!”

“Yes, it must be.” Abby agreed. “No one should be allowed to just enter this Wing. What if Ynyr had been resting.” Abby missed the shock on the males’ faces that her concern was for the Lord and not herself as she studied Cairbre. He was older than Abby had expected, somewhere in his sixties if she were to guess. His long black hair starting to have hints of gray in it and his skin was a light tan. He was smaller than a Tornian male, by about half a head and the shape of his eyes was different more oval than round. It was then that Abby realized it had to be because he wasn’t a full blooded Tornian.

“So Woodworker Cairbre, Paganus here tells me you make amazing furniture, that members of your family were the Master Woodworkers for this House at one time.”

Cairbre’s eyes shot to Paganus before he spoke, unable to believe the male had shared that information. “That is truth.”

“And that they lost that position because one of them Joined with a non-Tornian female and had offspring.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Cairbre’s entire being stiffened waiting for her revulsion at the fact that he was not full Tornian, instead he was shocked.

“Good for your ancestor. He stood up for what he knew was right, even though it cost him something. Few can do that.”

“I… yes, my Lady… that is true…” Cairbre frowned at the little female, looking at her with new eyes. He had expected her to be just like every other Tornian female, especially after the way he had been ordered here. Selfish and demanding and petty.

“It is and I will apologize now for what Paganus threatened to do to get you here. He knew how very much I wished to speak to you, but he should not have threatened such a thing.” Turning, she looked up at Paganus. “It will not be done again is that understood Master Paganus? This House will no longer use fear and intimidation against the people of Etruria. Lord Ynyr is not Bertos and I am most definitely not Risa! I thought you of all people understood that.”

“Yes, my Lady. My apologies.” Paganus bowed his head to her. He did not like that he had disappointed her. “It will not happen again.”

“I know it won’t.” Abby put a hand on Paganus’ arm, giving it an encouraging squeeze before looking back to Cairbre. “But I am glad you are here Cairbre for you see we have discovered an amazing piece of furniture and Master Paganus believes it was created by one of your mutual ancestors for King Varick.”

“What!” Cairbre couldn’t hide his shock. “That’s impossible! None of those furnishings could have survived this long.
He
,” Cairbre gestured at Paganus, “knows nothing about the
craft
. He is nothing but a
servant
!”

Paganus stiffened at the insult.

“
He
is Master Paganus of House Rigel.” Abby’s voice was hard and cold, her eyes glittering as she spoke. “
He
is in charge of caring for this Wing and
he
has the trust and belief of his Lord and Lady,
craftsman
Cairbre. He is also someone that I consider a friend.
You
will respect him. Is that understood?”

“I… yes…” Cairbre stuttered.

“Yes what?!!” Abby demanded. She wasn’t one to demand the use of the title, but Cairbre was pissing her off.”

“My Lady.” Cairbre continued to stutter and wasn’t sure who had the more surprised look on their face him or Paganus.

“Good.” Abby nodded her head decisively. “Now that we all understand that I will show you the piece in question and we will see just
who
knows their craft.” Turning she led Cairbre to the bed.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Cairbre was dumbstruck as he stood staring at the pieces before him. It couldn’t be… dropping to his knees, his hand shook slightly as he ran it over the gallchnó dubh taking in the silky feel that only time could give the wood. He ran it along the edges of the carvings that while they had mellowed with time were still strong.

Ignoring the pain it caused his old joints Cairbre rolled over onto his back and worked his way under the frame. He had to see how the pieces were joined. It would tell him when the piece had been made. He wanted to see if the patina ran true everywhere. There were many that would fake the exterior of a piece, but ignore the unseen areas. And then there was the mark… the one known only by his family… it was the mark placed only on the furniture meant for the King himself, made for him by
his
‘Master Woodworker’.

Each Master created his own unique mark that was added to his ruler’s. They were documented in a secret ledger. The stamp used to make the mark was destroyed at the Master’s death so that none would be able to claim their work as his. Finding the mark Cairbre felt his universe shift.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞