Chapter 12
Jeyne
The party from Lonelywood had set out early in the autumn morning. Already, there was a nip in the morning air. Already, everyone was in a medium heavy cloak.
Jeyne usually was happy and full of anticipation when there was a journey to the Capital. This time there was no Lariisa or Polly. There were no market fairs or calling on friends. True, they were staying in the home of Chief Counselor and now Lord Alaric Beornegar. It was clear to Jeyne, however, that this was not a pleasure trip. There were the carts and horsemen, but, the pace allowed no diversion. She and Owain Perris were the youngest on the trip. She reflected on this riding with with her father. Still,she wanted to make some conversation.
"You know the big orange tabby that always hangs about?" Jeyne didn't wait for an answer. "Saira says it's Elminster."
She saw the tension ease in her father's back. "You don't say?" he said with some bemusement.
"Well, the cat does come to her when she calls to him. She goes Elleee! And there he comes trotting out!"
"Judging from that cat's size, if we're speaking of the same one, she must have some treat for him?"
"Oh yes all of the time! The cat lets all of us pet him. Cats don't usually do that. Alek says that the people of Cormyr have seen Elminster too, but, he doesn't really believe it. So, do you think that cat is Elminster?"
"The cat is named Elminster, by Saira. She does have quite the imagination, I'll give her that," Drizzt smiled in amusement picturing the famous wizard as the much petted cat. "By the way, Jeyne," He said changing the subject. "Isolta and you can work together on not just sums and differences but, multiples and proportions."
"Yes." Jeyne said with resignation. Her father was always generous with his time. Jeyne had learned, however, that she had to be striving to learn something. Everyday, some time was always set aside for instruction and study. It wasn't always in areas that she had interest.
Another matter was spending time with Isolta Beornegar. She was no fun at all. When visiting Mithral Hall, Isolta had complained about how cold and dark it was. She just stayed in her family's rooms grumping and whining all the while. She had no interest in exploring the unoccupied sections. What's more she told the grown ups of Jeyne's intention to make an expedition. She was a worse tattler than Lariisa. Isolta also didn't like playing at tiles or cards. She had no interest in fencing, camping, or riding. Isolta just liked doing her math problems an studies. Perhaps Tal and Missi would be there, she hopefully thought.
"You know we are behind in the studies, Jeyne; with all of the events of the past four tendays."
"Yes, father. What about the fencing?", she asked. What was once a promising impromptu trip was now turning into days of planned activities. Jeyne would probably miss the First Snow. For the next tenday she would be cooped up with Isolta Beornegar and her awful governess.
"Jeyne we will have at least an afternoon together with no plans and your fencing lessons; promise." She felt better already. No plans. It was the possibility that she loved.
Gradually, Bryn Shander came in sight. They were waved in by the city guard. She looked upon the statues of former Chief Counselors; a sage looking Cassius, a brave Wulfgar with the raised Aegis-Fang, and others. There was no statue of Alaric, because the statues were only of Chief counselors past.
That those Counselors were from so long ago and that her father knew them fascinated Jeyne. "Daddy did you know Cassius as well as Wulfgar?"
"Jeyne, to this day, I'm not so sure I knew Wulfgar all that well." he smiled to her. "Wulfgar surprised me to the last day." He paused. "If not for Wulfgar, you and Lariisa may not have been."
"How?" she and Lariisa were born some years after Wulfgar's death.
"It's a long story. Wulfgar made Bruenor and I swear an oath to find your mother. We did just that with a map from Wulfgar." Drizzt looked off in the distance.
"Is Mommy gone now for good?"
"Your mother is on another plane and is now of that plane. She was not before you were born. If the Gods be good we will all be together when we leave this vale at last." Jeyne then hugged father.
The party dismounted from the horses and carts. They were all greeted by Alaric, his wife, and Isolta.
It would be a long day tomorrow, Jeyne thought. Drizzt, Owain, and Jeyne were escorted into the Beornegar's home. The rest of the party repaired to their respective lodgings.
All was not lost for Jeyne. Owain grinned and took out the Cribbage board. "I owe you a match tonight Jeynerkins."
"And I owe you, Owain, a match as well!" said Drizzt.
Maybe the visit would not be so boring and predictable after all.
