Arrival of Absence
New Arrival
This isn't really a chapter. This is just a little bit of an intro into the story. It needed to be there for the rest of the story to make sense. You may now continue reading.
New arrivals at Fort Wake were very rare and generally were not accompanied by good news so Clair wasn't too concerned when her aunt asked her to close the shutters.
These no-good messengers should just leave us alone. Ranted Auntie Sarah.
Do you think he will stay long? Asked the young girl. She had caught a glimpse of the messenger on his proud bay horse. He hadn't looked very much like a messenger. He hadn't been galloping and he had held his head high and was sitting tall.
It doesn't matter. Just as long as he leaves. Sniffed her aunt. Clair smiled at her aunt's negative attitude and climbed down the ladder to attend to the cooking. As she stirred the stew, her mind wandered back to messenger. What is he doing here and why didn't he look worried? She wondered. As she thought, a loud rapping sounded on the door.
Who there? Send them away! Barked her aunt.
I'll handle it, Auntie Sarah. Called Clair. She opened the door. She didn't bother to open just a bit like her aunt did because she knew she wouldn't be strong enough to hold the door closed if it was an enemy.
Oh! Sir! She cried, curtseying quickly. What brings you here? Auntie Sarah! It's Sir Belevont! She heard a noncommittal noise from her aunt. She smiled sweetly to the guard. James Belevont had always been her favorite castle guard. He used to look after her when she was younger. Now her aunt wanted her to find a suitor rather than waste her days talking with the guards.
I am here on important business. Began Belevont, Judging by your barred windows, you heard of the arrival?
I saw it, yes.
Well he is an extremely important visitor from the city of Rilt. You and your aunt have been chosen to be his hosts for his stay here. Clair listened to all Belevont had said. Apparently so had Aunt Sarah for she tottled down the ladder and glared at the guard.
We never agreed to take part in any "hosting" of visitors! She growled. Clair knew she didn't really mind but it was funny to watch her anyways.
It is mandatory, ma'am. Replied Belevont kindly.
Well bring him in then. Sniffed Sarah, standing away from the door. The guard moved to admit the man. Clair saw his glance quickly around the room. She knew it wasn't much but it was home. It was a small 4-room building. The living room/kitchen/dining room was the room, which they were all crowded into. About halfway across was the ladder that led to the 2 bedrooms. To the right of the door was the bathroom. The upper floor was only half the size of the main floor. That was why the ladder was in the middle on the room. It was because it led to the only opening in the wall of the upper floor. The upper floor had the 2 bedrooms. There was the bedroom Aunt Sarah and Clair shared, and from there was the guest bedroom that they kept empty incase Clair's brother or dad ever came home. It wasn't likely but they always kept hope for Sarah's sake.
Welcome to our home. Offered Clair softly. The man looked at her quickly and she couldn't help but admire his handsome, tanned face and black hair that he kept back in a ponytail. She smiled softly and he returned the look.
Clair looked away sharply.
Shall we show you to your room? She asked him. As soon as he nodded his head she climbed the ladder. She knew he was right behind her and she felt slightly awkward. She was wearing a skirt. She hurried to reach the top and stood waiting for him.
This is where Aunt Sarah and I sleep. Your room is just through the door. She opened the door and led him in. This room was much nicer than the room she and her aunt shared. It had a hurricane lamp on the dresser next to a comfy little cot in the corner.
It looks wonderful. He said. She looked up into his face and their eyes met. Clair looked deeply into his deep green eyes and felt herself giving in to temptation. She quickly broke their gaze and hurried out of the room. She felt herself sweating slightly and fanned herself mentally as she climbed down the ladder.
Thank you, Clair. Belevont said as he turned to leave. She watched him for a moment before he strode out the door, closing it behind him.
Dinner, Clair! And then bed. Snapped her aunt. Clair immediately set the table and placed the stew on it.
Dinner! She called. She saw the man climb down the ladder and join Clair and her aunt for dinner.
My name is Krisjan, by the way. He told them. Krisjan.. What a sweet name.. Clair thought silently to herself as they began to eat their meal.