Chapter 19: Visitor

Joren finally had a whole day to himself. Baron Piers had let him have some free time for "good behavior", after he somehow charmed a snobby princelet and major player in the Empire into giving in to Tortall's requests for aid in their war against Scanra. Sometimes, he still doesn't know what he was doing, but he found that merely trying to like these people went a long way in persuading even the most unwilling to his cause for the day. It was helping that his Yamani was improving, and that Syuusuke and Ryoma had taken him under his wing.

It was ironic that he had a whole say to himself, and he was inside the house with nothing to do. Nothing, that is, until Ryoma stopped by, and had the brilliant idea of teaching him how to make sushi, the little packs of rice that the Yamanis ate. So for several hours, Joren got his hands dirty in a way he never expected them to. Ryoma was just giving him a passing grade, when a servant appeared holding out several letters and packages.

Joren was just about to complain that he didn't need more work when he noticed they were stamped by the Tortallan royal seal. Mail from home! His heart jumped. And he eagerly reached for the packages.

Ryoma watched, amused, while Joren tore the wrapping paper apart. The box was from Baron George, containing several throwing stars of the highest quality. Each one had a J engraved on top.

After examining each shuriken, Joren opened the envelope attached to it. In simple letters, the baron had written:

Don't be careless. And practice with both arms.

He didn't sign it, but his crest was on the seal. Joren spared a thought wondering why the baron sent him something, but another envelope made him forget everything. It was from Neal.

Joren,

Kel has extended an invitation, and we both will be there by the Yama festival. I have missed you terribly, and I am excited to see you. Thankfully, Lady Alanna has given her permission. Wait for me. Kel sends her regards.

Love,

Neal

Neal is coming? Here? Joren dropped the letter, watching absently as it falls to the floor. Beside him, an arched eyebrow was the only sign of surprise on Ryoma's otherwise serene face.

***

Lady Alanna was looking across the table at her husband. "You're suddenly very interested in Joren of Stone Mountain." It was a statement, not a question. George stopped chewing for a moment, before replying.

"Aren't you? After all that has happened, don't you feel compelled to watch the boy?"

Alanna shrugged. "Because I feel partly responsible, yes. And because my squire is involved, as well as Keladry. But is there any other reason why the boy interests you?"

After a thoughtful silence, George answered. "He is something of a puzzle. For years he wore a mask of hatred and cruelty. I can't help wondering why he wears that mask, and what we will see if we peel away the layers."

Alanna nodded at this. "If you're looking to find why, his father will probably be the culprit. As for who he is underneath, I suppose both Neal and Keladry will soon find out. Although I expect the people in Yamani will have seen glimpses by now."

George grinned at his wife. "Have you ever seen the Yama Festival?"

Alanna only smiled in reply.