FORTY
Folken spun around to see Marco Dimetra propped against the corner of the tavern. "She's a pretty one -- and apparently quite fond of you too." Marco pushed himself away from the wall and stepped towards Folken. "What more could a man ask for?"
The worst of all Folken's fears flashed though his mind as he faced the other man. "M-M-Marco -- what the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I think I should be the one asking that question, don't you."
"What are you -- spying on me? Did they send you to spy on me?"
Marco put up his hands, palms out, in supplication. "Whoa! Slow down, Folken -- I'm not spying on you. I just happened to be in the tavern when you and your . . . friend came in. I couldn't help noticing the two of you together. I was just curious -- that's all. Don't get all bent out of shape."
Folken narrowed his eyes, "What do you want, Marco?"
"Nothing -- like I said, I was just curious." He gave Folken a smile, "Now I know why you kept disappearing all the time."
"What is it that you want, Marco?" There was an edge in Folken's voice that made the other man step back.
"Look Folken, I know you're still mad at me -- but I didn't have any choice. Juri made me swear -- on my oath of the tower -- not to tell you. What was I supposed to do? I'm only an apprentice -- and I have no desire to get on Juri's bad side." Folken said nothing, his eyes cold as he listened. "I'm sorry, Folken -- but I really didn't have any choice . . . I know the man was your friend -- but I couldn't break my oath."
Folken's anger softened a little as he looked at his former friend. Friend? Is it possible to have a friend in the tower? Marco was probably the closet thing to one that I had -- I don't know if I would have been able to go against my oath either had I been in his place. I want to trust someone -- I need to trust someone . . . but is Marco the right one? Folken gave the dark-haired man a measured look, as if summing him up. There's only one way to find out . . .
"I know you were only following orders, Marco; and besides, why risk yourself on my behalf? I know how things work in the tower -- it's every man for himself, you had your own future to think about."
"That's pretty harsh Folken. Y-Y-You and I were mates once . . . we got on alright . . . do you think I wanted to lie to you? Do you know how much I wanted to tell you -- how many times I almost did?"
"Then why didn't you? I never would have betrayed you."
"Because I couldn't! Look Folken -- the tower is all I have . . . I don't have anywhere else to go." Marco reached up and ran his hand through his dark curly hair. "I don't have any family -- I was an only child, both of my parents died when I was quite young. I've been here for over ten years -- ten years and I'm still only an apprentice. B-B-But I couldn't risk being put out . . . or worse. Maybe I was wrong, but it was the only thing I could do."
Folken knew that Marco was being truthful and he could see that it had cost the other man a lot to confess so much to him. But can I trust him? He knew about my friendship with Coren and he could have used that against me somehow -- used it to his advantage. That morning when he came to my room -- when I first heard about the accident -- I could see that he wanted to tell me something, but he didn't -- or couldn't. I just wish I knew for sure . . .
Folken sighed and gave Marco another long look. I won't know unless I try. . . "I know you didn't have any choice, Marco. I'm not sure if I could have betrayed my oath either. But it's all over and done with -- time to move on. Coren Roh was my friend -- and he would have been my brother-in-law, but I can't go back and change the past." Folken saw Marco's eyes widen. Too late to turn back now. "All I can do now is mourn him and remember him."
"B-B-Brother -- what did you just say?" Marco stammered an extremely puzzled look on his face.
"That girl that I was just with -- her name is Jindra Roh, she's Coren's sister. She and I are going to be married in a few weeks -- she has agreed to be my wife."
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Jindra sat on the bench in the small white gazebo in her family's garden. She was busy working on a sketch of a small bird fountain several feet away when her father joined her. Erich dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head before sitting down next to her. She glanced up at him and smiled, "Just let me finish this little bit . . ." Erich watched his daughter as she worked, once again marveling at her talent.
Since his son's death, Erich Roh had made a personal pledge to become closer to his daughter. It was no secret that Jindra had always been his favorite, and he had doted on her excessively when she was younger. But as she grew up, the two had drifted apart. Partly because of Erich's increased responsibilities within the trade office -- responsibilities that had caused him to be away from the city and his family for extended periods of time. But in the last two months, Erich had made a commitment to re-establish his relationship with his daughter. He had not traveled outside the empire, instead sending one of his aides in his place; he tried to be home for dinner each evening; and he also made time everyday to be with Jindra -- sometimes meeting her for lunch or spending time with her before or after dinner. He had been worried about her over the past two months as she had seemed quite depressed and despondent. But in the past couple of weeks, Erich had noticed that Jindra had brightened and her normal countenance had started to return. He was afraid to ask her why, sure that he would not like the answer. Erich knew of only one reason -- or more likely, one person -- who could have brought such a change to his daughter; and although he was grateful to have Jindra back as she was before, he could find no joy in knowing who was responsible for it.
"You're home early." Jindra put her sketch pad down on the bench next to her.
"Slow day -- I didn't have any appointments or other pressing business this afternoon, so I decided to leave for the day."
"Mother and Bethanne went with Mrs. Kaberle. Something about having tea with . . . I forget the name -- Mrs. San-something."
"Weren't you invited?" Erich inquired.
His daughter shrugged, "Tea with a bunch of people that I don't have the slightest interest in knowing? Thanks, but I'll pass."
"Jindra," she could hear the lecturing tone in her father's voice and inwardly she groaned. "I thought that your mother and I raised you with better manners. It's was very gracious of Mrs. Sandersson to include you in the invitation. How can you dismiss them without even meeting them -- I can't believe that a daughter of mine could be so rude."
Jindra colored and dropped her eyes to the ground, "I-I-I'm sorry, father. But I -- I just wasn't comfortable with going. I-I-I'm not one for tea parties -- you know that. Getting all dressed up, sitting around smiling and making mindless small talk all afternoon -- I think I'd rather have a bucket of rancid milk poured over my head, at least that would be interesting."
Erich shook his head, "Love . . . you only do yourself a disservice by being so aloof and unfriendly. You should be out; enjoying yourself -- making new friends, doing new things -- you can't hide in the house forever. How do you know you won't like something if you won't even try it? I don't mean a half-hearted, I-really-don't-want-to-be-here try either."
Jindra scuffed at the ground with the toe of her boot. "Maybe you're right . . . it wouldn't hurt for me to get out and do something different once in a while . . . I'll try -- but I won't make any promises."
Her father reached out and squeezed her hand. "So what were you working on so intently?" Erich asked, deciding to let the matter drop for the moment.
Jindra reached for her sketch pad, "Nothing really -- just the bird fountain." Her father looked at the sketch, "It's very nice . . . I don't know where you got such talent. No one in my family ever had any artistic abilities -- must be your mother's side; there are some interesting characters in the Vardas side of the tree."
Jindra smiled up at her father, "You mean like great-uncle Matthias? You know, grandfather Yellan's brother who went searching for mermaids?"
Erich laughed, "Old Matthias -- gods, I almost forgot about him. Claimed he discovered an underwater city that was full of mermaids and mermen -- of course he didn't have any charts or directions written down and no way to prove any of it . . . "He laughed again, "What about your cousin, Stefan -- the self-proclaimed poet? Traveling all over Asturia -- playing at being a traveling bard . . . oh yes, the Vardas' are quite an entertaining group of people -- never a dull moment when one or two of them are around."
"Sometimes I envy people that just do what they want and don't care about what other people think of them. As long as you're happy and you don't hurt anyone, then why does it matter?" Jindra replied, sounding a bit more serious then before.
"You're right love, there's nothing wrong with being your own person; but sometimes you have to bow to the dictates of society -- something a few of your more colorful relatives haven't quite learned yet." Jindra merely nodded her head, but did not reply.
Father and daughter sat together in silence for a few minutes, both of them looking out into the garden. Jindra had picked up her pencil and was just about to resume her sketching when Erich spoke again. "Jindra . . . have you seen Anton Lefebvre lately?"
Jindra looked up, hearing a strange note in her father's voice. "Now that you mention it, no. I don't think he's been here in -- I don't know, maybe two weeks. Why?"
Erich didn't answer right away, his eyes still focused on the fountain. After a few moments, he turned to look at her. "I saw Commandant Varada earlier today. He seemed a bit concerned about him -- asked if I had seen him of late. I told him no, but was curious about why he wanted to know. Varada told me that Anton had been dismissed from the academy -- almost three weeks ago."
"Dismissed -- Anton? Are you sure, father?"
"Yes, Varada told me that he did personally. I could see that he was still bothered by it."
"But why? What could he have done that would have caused his dismissal?"
"Apparently Anton had been drinking -- quite heavily -- on campus. Varada said that he had been reported being drunk in several of his classes -- more than once. His studies had fallen off -- and his grades too. Anton had also become verbally and physically abusive with several other cadets -- to the point where fights had to be broken up once or twice a day. His behavior had become erratic and possibly dangerous. Varada said that he had no choice but to expel him."
Jindra shook her head, "I can't believe it, the academy meant everything to him -- he told me so, more than once. I-I-I know he took Coren's death very hard -- the two of them were closer friends then I thought -- and I know he hasn't really been himself . . . but I can't believe he would go so far as to get himself dismissed." Even as she spoke, Jindra recalled the several occasions when Anton had strongly smelled of wine while visiting her; and the marked change in his appearance. "It's just -- unbelievable."
"Yes, especially since Varada told me that Anton's father was deeply in debt -- gambling, apparently -- and that it had taken almost all of what the family had left to pay for his tuition at the academy."
Jindra felt a sadness in her heart and some of it leaked out in her voice, "Anton told me that he and his father were estranged -- but he never said why."
"I don't imagine that he would. Things had gotten so bad at one point, that the Lefebvre's were almost put out of their house. The family was counting on Anton's salary once he graduated and received his commission. "Erich shook his head, "It's a damn shame -- Anton certainly didn't deserve such a burden to bear. The man was always the perfect guest when he was here -- I was quite impressed with him from the very first." Erich looked curiously at Jindra, "Your mother and I had hoped that the two of you would hit it off -- he certainly seemed to be quite interested in you."
Jindra felt a slight blush creep across her face and she looked away. "Anton and I are just friends -- its better that way." After a few moments, she turned back towards her father. "It's just so completely unbelievable. I wonder where he is -- if he left the city and returned home."
Erich shook his head, "I don't know, Varada didn't say." He looked thoughtful for a moment, "If he should come here, will you let me know." Jindra nodded her head, "Yes, of course; but why?"
"If his behavior is as erratic as the commandant said, Anton could be dangerous -- especially if he's been drinking."
"Anton wouldn't hurt me," she protested.
"Perhaps not, love; but if he is in such a state, there's no telling what he could be capable of. But it's not just that . . . I really liked the man and I'd like to try to help him if I can, maybe try to get him get him reinstated -- if he gets himself together first. Anton shouldn't be made to pay for his father's mistakes and bad judgment. Your brother always seemed to hold him in high esteem and I know that Coren would have tried to help him if he could."
Jindra nodded silently and once again the two sat quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. After a few minutes, the silence was broken by the sound of Doreena Roh calling out her husband's name. Rising, Erich returned the call and then dropped a quick kiss on Jindra's head. Leaving her in the gazebo, he started back towards the house.
Her sketch completely forgotten, Jindra stared out at nothing as she thought about what had befallen Anton Lefebvre; and if she could have prevented it somehow.
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"Folken, you're insane! You can't marry her -- or anyone else for that matter." Marco paced the length of Folken's front room while he spoke.
The two men had returned to the sorcerer's tower and retired to Folken's quarters. Once there, Folken had sat calmly and told Marco about Jindra. It had scared him immensely to do so; but after he finished, he had felt as if a great burden had been lifted from him. Folken had held his feelings inside for so long, that he felt completely drained afterwards. He could understand why Jindra had sought out Bethanne and taken her into her confidence. He was taking a great chance by putting his trust in Marco, but it was something that he had needed to do.
Marco ran his hand though his hair, "You don't owe her any obligation. Coren Roh was your friend, but that doesn't mean you have to marry his sister out of some misplaced sense of loyalty."
"It's not like that -- I told you, I asked Jin to marry me before Coren died." Folken got up from the chair and went to the small sideboard. Reaching for a glass, he poured himself some wine. Gesturing towards Marco with the bottle, the other man nodded his head. After handing a glass to Marco, Folken returned to his seat.
Marco gave Folken a long look as he sipped from his glass. With a sigh, he sat down in the chair opposite him. "Why do you have to marry her anyway? You could just keep her here -- in the city . . . find a nice little place somewhere . . . no one would care, it's done all the time."
Folken's voice rose angrily, "Damn it Marco -- she's not some common streetwalker!"
"I didn't say she was. I'm just saying that it would be the easiest -- and safest solution. If the two of you have already -- already . . . well, you know . . . if you've already been together then what's the difference?" He gave Folken a sharp look, "She's not pregnant is she?"
For the second time that day, Folken almost choked. "N-N-No!" He suddenly felt guilty, for the thought that Jindra could be carrying his child had not entered his mind. But Jin would know by now . . . she would have told me -- wouldn't she . . . of course she would.
Marco saw something flash momentarily across in Folken's face, "You don't know -- do you?"
Folken vehemently denied it, "Of course I do. Jindra would have told me -- she would never keep something like that from me." Gods, the risk we took that night . . .
Marco took another sip from his glass. "Do you know what will happen to you -- and her -- if anyone were to find out about this? I can't believe you'd even consider it -- you won't be able to keep it a secret; someone is bound to find out."
"By the time anyone figures it out, we'll be long gone from here -- never to return, if I have my way." Folken took a long pull from his own glass. "We're going to get married, before we leave -- in fact, that's was one of things we were planning today in the tavern when you saw us together."
Marco slumped in his chair and stretched his legs out as he took another sip from his glass. He gave Folken a measured look. "Aren't you afraid that I'll turn you in? How do you know I'm not going to run straight to Juri when I leave here and tell him everything?"
Folken returned his piercing look, "I don't . . . but I'm willing to take that chance." Folken's stomach was in a knot but he managed to keep his voice calm and steady. "I'm risking everything by putting my trust in you . . . my life -- and Jindra's -- are in your hands Marco."
Marco was silent for several moments as he sat twirling his wine glass in his hands. Quickly raising the glass to his lips, he drained it and then slowly put it on the table between the two chairs. Looking at Folken's calm face, he sighed. "You're crazy -- you have to be . . . that makes two of us, I guess." A wide smile spread over Marco's face, "So, why don't you tell me more about your plans and we'll see if there's some way I can help you and your pretty little lady out."
Folken felt a rush of relief, maybe this is going to all work out after all . . .