Marie laughed. What brought that up?
Well, hes been here three times in the last two months, is all, and you see him a lot.
His father built Stardock, if you remember what I told you. She shook her head. Are you worried I might or that I wont?
The boy shrugged, his lanky frame suddenly appearing more man-like to his mother. He said, I dont know. Calebs a good man, I suppose. But its just
Hes not your pa, she finished.
Thats not what I meant, said Tad. Its just well, hes gone so much.
With a wry smile, Marie said, Theres more than one woman whod count her husband being away a blessing, boy. She put her hands on his shoulders and turned him around. Now, catch up with the others. Ill be along soon.
Tad ran off after the others, and Marie turned her attention to her small home. Everything was neat and dusted; she might be poor, but she had pride in an orderly house. Keeping it tidy was difficult with two boys underfoot, but they usually obeyed her without question.
Marie then inspected the soup simmering over the hearth and judged it to be ready. Everyone in the town was expected to contribute to the harvest festival, and while her soup was simple fare, it was delicious and welcomed, even by those who contributed far more.
Glancing at the door, she half-expected to see a tall man silhouetted against the light, and for a brief, bitter moment she realized she wasnt sure who it was she wished for more to be the one to see her late husband, or Caleb. Pushing aside such irrelevant thoughts, she reminded herself that aching for what you couldnt have was pointless. She was a farmers wife, and knew the nature of life: it rarely gave you choices, and to survive you looked forward, not back.
A short while later, Marie heard someone approach and turned to find Caleb at the door. Wearing half a smile, he said, Expecting someone?
She crossed her arms and gave him an appraising look. Only a few years younger than Marie, a clean-shaven chin and a long, unlined face gave Caleb a youthful look, despite the grey creeping into his shoulder-length brown hair. His eyes were also brown and fixed on her like a hunters. He wore well-made but plain-cut garb, fit for a woodsman, a large floppy hat of black felt, a dark-green wool tunic cut snugly over his broad shoulders, and leather breeches tucked into buckskin boots around his calves. He had a long face, but she thought him handsome, for he carried himself proudly. He always spoke calmly and thoughtfully and he wasnt afraid of silence. But the main reason she was drawn to him was because when he looked at her, she felt that he saw something of value there. Caleb smiled. Im late?
As usual, she answered with a slight smile. Then her expression bloomed as she laughed. But not too late, she crossed the room to stand before him. Kissing and hugging him, she said, The boys left a few minutes ago.
He returned the hug, then said, How much time do we have?
Marie looked askance at him and said, Not enough, if I read your mood correctly. She tilted her head towards the hearth. Help me with the kettle. She moved to the hearth and picked up a long oak pole leaning beside the stonework chimney.
Caleb unslung his bow, hip quiver and backpack, and stored them in the corner. As Marie slipped the pole through the iron handle of the large kettle, he took the opposite end.
They lifted it from the iron hook which held it above the flames and started towards the door. You first, he said.
Once outside, Caleb swung around so they could walk side-by-side with the kettle between them. How was your journey? Marie asked him.
Uneventful, he answered.
She had learned not to ask about his business or where he had been, for she knew he was working on his fathers behalf. Some claimed that Calebs father had been the Duke of Stardock once, but at present no one claimed dominion over the island or its town on the opposite shore. Patrols from the Kingdom garrison at Shamata would occasionally spend a day or two at the local inn, or Keshian patrols might ride up from the border fortress in Nar Ayab, but neither side claimed the Great Star Lake or the surrounding countryside. This region was under the control of the Academy of Magicians on the island, and no one disputed their authority.
But Pug was no longer in control of the Academy, and like all those who lived in Stardock Town, Marie was unsure how that had come to pass. Yet, his sons Caleb and his older brother Magnus were still occasional visitors to the Academy. Whatever the relationship between Pug and the ruling council of the city of magicians, it was an enduring one, no matter what estrangements might have occurred in the past.
Marie had met Caleb when she was a young girl and he little more than a scruffy woods-boy. They had played together from time to time, but then he had vanished. Some said he had gone to live on an island in the Bitter Sea, while others said he stayed with the elves. They had been reunited when Caleb was Tad and Zanes age, and Marie just four years older. Though her parents disapproved of them spending time together, they said nothing because of who Calebs father was.
But, after the summer during which they had become lovers, he vanished once more. His last words explained that he had to leave on his fathers business, but he promised to return. Marie had waited more than a year before bowing to family pressure. She married young Brendan, a man she eventually came to care for deeply, but who could never set her heart racing the way Caleb had. Years went by and Caleb didnt return.
But whatever the reason for his long absence, Marie had wed, and birthed two sons one who had died as a baby before Caleb had appeared again without warning, three years ago at the Midsummers festival of Banapis.
Her heart had soared at the sight of him, and while she chided herself for allowing the memories of a silly girl to overwhelm her, she had still sought him out as soon as she knew of his arrival.
That night she had indulged in far too much wine and dancing, and it had been the most fun she could remember since before her husbands death. After the boys were sound asleep, she had slept in Calebs arms.
And the next day he was gone once more.
Since then she had grown used to his ways appearing without notice and then vanishing. He had made no promises and she had asked for none. Yet they had formed a bond and she was certain that no other woman waited for him. Why she felt so certain she couldnt say, but she was sure.
Staying long?
That depends.
On what? she asked.
A number of things. I have a message to deliver to the ruling council, and they may take a while to consider their answer. So, a few days, perhaps a week.
Anything you can talk about?
He smiled. Not really. Lets just say its another of my fathers very important missives.
Yet you delay to come to the festival with me? She wore a knowing smile on her lips.
A day will make no difference. He grinned at her. Besides, I have my own business here.
Oh, do you now?
Yes, he laughed. As you well know.
As they approached the town square, several people greeted Marie. Well, she whispered after returning their greetings, we can discuss that business, later.
Caleb looked at the unusually large crowd gathering and asked, More people have arrived?