Sorry everyone a really short one this time. It was supposed to be part of the next chapter but everything was just getting too long... Hopefully this will keep you satisfied in the mean time!


A single lamp burning on the desk was all that lit study, not counting the dying embers of the fire that barely illuminated the hearth. On the large armchair by the remains of the fire a small body was curled up, breathing gently deep in slumber. Sheril regarded the tiny person adoringly from behind his desk, his smile widening as he turned his attention back to the letter that had arrived earlier that day, short but sweet. The letter carried news of his ships currently on a trip to the far east of the world trading for silks, gems, artefacts and more.

In the warm orange light Sheril could still read the message, all was going as well as could be expected.

Lord Kamelot,

The Ark is set to leave port with the tide early tomorrow morning. All negotiations have gone well, although our new friends do not seem too impressed with the close quarters we shall be living in for the next two months. If not for the Lady's good humour, I suspect we may have had a bit of trouble on our hands.

Expect the return of your vessel in the New Year.

Your servant,

Fiddler

"Has anyone ever told you that you look like a crocodile when you smile?" said a dry drawling voice. Sheril looked up to see his brother shutting the study door softly after him. He tucked the letter away into his jacket and leaned forward, resting his chin on interlocked fingers. Visits from Tyki were always interesting. The younger man never came for a chat, there must be something playing on his mind. Something big enough to make him seek out his much loathed older brother.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Every word laced with sarcasm. Sheril watched his brother as he spread his jacket over Road's small curled up form and then sat down in the only other unoccupied armchair. Tyki sat back, ankle over knee and head propped up by a hand under the chin. Tyki returned Sheril's watchful eyes with an unreadable expression. Sheril always found it difficult to see any expression other than boredom, annoyance and anger. Perhaps this was why he goaded him so much, to see the faces his brother always reserved for him. "I was under the impression you would rather not spend quality time with your dear older brother."

From the armchair came a soft mewling sound as Road turned in her sleep, sleepily pulling her uncle's jacket closer around her. A soft smile lit Tyki's face, "I don't suppose Tricia will be too happy about Road sleeping here."

"What can I say, she is just too cute. Don't you agree?" Sheril laughed easily, "If I'm guilty of anything, it would be spoiling this girl of mine." Even Tyki had to admit the little girl was adorable tucked under the large jacket.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that's the only thing you were guilty off." Tyki said raising an eyebrow at Sheril and nodding at the papers scattered on the table, and Sheril grinned raising his hands in acceptance. "I am a businessman after all, and my business brings good news for you."

Tyki raised an eyebrow, "I highly doubt that."

"It's all here," Sheril took the letter out once more. "New Year. Our new friends shall be with us in the New Year. You will be ready by then?"

That was an argument for another day. Tyki gritted his teeth, he could feel a vein throbbing as his blood boiled at the comment and he changed the subject.

"Speaking of business, I bumped into Cross Marian yesterday." Tyki threw out casually, and from the way he become ever so slightly stiff Sheril could see that this was the reason behind the visit. "He seems to be quite well versed with the goings on inside the Manor. I wonder, maybe he knows the contents of that letter too."

"Perhaps, Cross is the main overseer of the Dark Order Merchant Fleet." Sheril shrugged.

"Fleet? There are all of two ships in your 'fleet'," Tyki rubbed his temple, his brother's intentional blasé attitude irritating him. "I understand we already have some guests staying with us."

Rather than look at him Sheril had begun to shuffle some of the papers on the desk, neatly making small stacks and piles feigning disinterest. "Guests?"

"Yes, guests."

"If you mean Lovely," furrowed giving away some of his irritation, "then I believe we have already discussed her position in the Manor."

"Never mind her," Tyki said waving his hand dismissively.

"Well then please, do enlighten me." Sheril sighed, tapping his fingers against the table.

Tyki leaned in balancing his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together. In the pits of his stomach Sheril felt a twisting knot of anticipation building up. What was it that was bothering him so much? Tyki had taken all other news in his stride even if unwillingly.

"What I would like to know is why Cross Marion knew that Bookman is in our hospital wing." His eyes shone with zeal. "Why was I not told about him?"

Trust Cross to involve himself my plans, Sheril thought bitterly. "What were you doing in the hospital wing? Are you hurt?"

"Don't try to change the subject." Tyki warned. "More importantly, I want to know why Lillia's son is mucking out stalls. Have you no respect?"

Sheril was at a loss, Lillia's son? Slowly realisation dawned on him, and the dots connected in his mind: The bruise, Tyki's arrival at the hospital wing and Lovely. Funny how Lovely had conveniently left Tyki out of her account of what had happened to her face.

Sheril had not expected Tyki to discover Bookman, and much less for him to cross paths with his newly acquired stable boy. But then Tyki always was far too close with the help than could be deemed healthy. He spoke slowly to buy himself some time to create a response. "Did Lavi tell you that he was of the Bookman?"

"No. I had to learn that little bit of information from Cross." Tyki spat.

Tyki would have said more but at that moment Road stirred startling him. The two men waited tensely as Road put herself back to sleep. Sheril walked around his large desk and came to sit on the front side of it.

"Since we knew them, the Bookman family have lost a lot of their wealth. It is just the two of them now." Sheril sighed heavily, "When Bookman approached me to make a space my household for his grandson, how could I refuse?"

Tyki snorted, "Bookman approached you? I find that hard to believe."

"You may laugh, but he is old and he is sick. You would be surprised how much life can change one's opinion." Sheril folded his arms across his chest. "I asked the boy where he would be most happy. I expected him to say the library, but as chance would have it he chose the stables."

Sheril could see that Tyki did not fully believe the story, but that would be the only story he would get out of him and from Lavi for that matter.

"Hmm, there is still the matter of Skinn, what will you do about him? He could easily have attacked Cross' boy too."

Sheril examined his pocket watch, walked over to Road and lifted her into his arms indicating that this would be over very soon. "It has been seen to already."

Satisfied for now, Tyki said his goodnight and stiff shouldered he made for the exit.

"Tyki," Sheril called after him, the younger brother stopped at the doorway. "Now you know, what would you say to him?"

His shoulders dropped at the question, some of the anger lifting away from him making him look smaller. When he spoke it was in a quiet voice without looking back, "I don't know. Maybe I would try to apologise, maybe that would be enough."


Sorry it's so short again!