Disclaimer: The Keys to the Kingdom and Old Kingdom series dos not in any way belong to me, they're the property of Garth Nix, etc.
Title from These Paths by Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
The first few chapters take place immediately after the previous, but later installments will have implied timeskips. I think it's a bit slow going at first but please stick with it...!
These Paths Will Cross (again, again)
"You may call me the Piper," the current Abhorsen says, a few minutes into the car ride away from the only home Arthur's ever known.
Arthur can't quite stop himself from looking at the bandolier strapped across the Piper's chest.
Tom snorts, quickly looking away to hide his smile.
"I prefer the pipes," the Piper says, stiffly. "Though they are weaker than the bells." His pale fingertips, the only portion of his skin apart from his mouth and chin exposed to the open air, brush the handle of the largest bell briefly. "You will be starting with the pipes when I deem you fit to do so."
Arthur nods, though he doesn't really know what the Piper is talking about.
"I think Arthur will need a bit more of a primer than that, brother," Tom says mildly.
The Piper's mask turns toward him, and Arthur finds himself shifting beneath the unseen scrutiny. "What do you know of the Charter?" he asks abruptly, turning away once more.
"I know a bit of Charter magic," Arthur offers. "Just- just what's taught at my school. It's probably not a lot..."
"I imagine it will not be," the Piper agrees.
"Still, it's better than nothing," Tom says firmly.
The Piper makes a noncommittal sound, and says nothing more.
Arthur looks down at his hands and takes several deep breaths as he tries to ignore the tears prickling at his eyes.
He didn't bring anything from home; Tom had said, regretfully, that anything manufactured in Ancelstierre would break down in the Old Kingdom. Tom had also produced some clothes for Arthur after they'd crossed the Wall, which was a good thing - Arthur's factory-made clothing had already started to unravel.
The journey to the Abhorsen's House passes quickly, a few short days that Arthur barely notices, and then he's standing on the lawn with Tom.
"Well," Tom says uncomfortably, "I suppose this is it. I'll be going on to the Belisaere, the ca-"
"-the capital, right?" Arthur says. He's seen various maps of the Old Kingdom - none of which could seem to agree on any geographical feature of the northern country - but they all named Belisaere as the capital.
Tom smiles and nods. "Indeed. My brother thinks you should settle in a bit before making an appearance at court."
Arthur glances at the door through which the Piper had disappeared without a word to either of them as soon as they'd landed on the island.
"He will warm up to you, I'm sure," Tom says, but the slight crease between his brows belies his words.
"Right," Arthur says.
Tom sighs. "If you have any questions, you can address the sendings - Charter magic constructs that function as servants," he explains, upon seeing Arthur's blank look. "They cannot speak, though they will be able to direct you to where you need to go within the house, and help you get used to things here."
"OK," Arthur says. "It's just me and these sendings and the Piper in the house?"
"And the Will," Tom says. "It always looks like a bear when it comes to see me; but I know it takes the form of a snake around the Piper. It's a Free Magic creature of some sort - it's very knowledgeable, but it also lies."
"Great," Arthur says, though he thinks the opposite.
"You can write to me at any time," Tom says. "There are messenger birds."
Arthur nods, though he doubts he will. What can Tom do to help him? He's not the Abhorsen, and even if he is the Piper's older brother it's obvious the Piper has little respect for him.
"I will," he lies, because Tom looks like he's waiting for some kind of verbal reply.
Tom looks relieved and makes his excuses.
Twenty minutes later Arthur is alone in the Abhorsen's House, without the slightest idea of what is to come.