((Thank you, for the review Travelling Mord Sith, I am glad you liked it. And sorry for the delay in this chapter, had a busy few days and all.))
Shey stood up in his saddle, he shaded his eyes from the late afternoon sun, and looked over the column of people, they were coming into Camp Greenlands, he looked over what he could see. It Didn't look so bad, it was large, lager then most refugee camps, it had proper stone walls and metal gates, and the ground all around the road was raised and uneven, but the road itself was a flat snaking through. This meant that any attacks would have to come in, on the road. Raoul was at the head of the column, his people were spaced out all down the length, they were providing the guard until they were safely in the camp. Dom was riding near to Shey, he looked as though he wanted to say something, but Shey wouldn't look at him. He Didn't want people feeling for him, or scorning him. As they neared the gates, a guard called out a challenge to them, Raoul waved and shouted something in response, it sounded like "Lets us in" What ever it was the guard on the wall laughed and shouted down for the gates to be opened. They did and the column slowly entered into the camp.
When they were all in the gates closed behind them and were locked with sturdy wooden planks. The guards went back to guarding the gates, whilst a rather small skinny man with a cheerful face, sparse beard and smiling eyes under bushy eyebrows stood on the stairs, so he was head height with the tallest mounted man. "Welcome to refugee Camp Greenfields" The man said, his accent was that of the northern towns near Corus. The man Spread his arms round, "You are here in what will be your new home for a while, I am Camp Commander Leva Okais." Leva told them. Walking down the steps so he was on level with them all. Shey dismounted with the others, Raoul stepped forward and grasped Leva's arm and then hugged him, "You not dead yet" Raoul asked pulling back. Leva laughed a deep laugh.
"Nor for the want of um trying" he said. Looking over the people, in the column, "Any for me" he said walking down the line. Raoul followed not far behind, they stopped at two people close to the front, they were bakers and cooks, four more after that blacksmiths, the rest men at arms who needed the training they had not got in the capital.
Finally they reached Shey, Leva almost walked past him, thinking him to be one of the would be fighters, but when he fully registered Shey colourful clothes he double talked. "This is no fighter" He said Shey wasn't sure who he was talking to, Raoul or himself. Raoul stepped forward, "No, this is Shey, he is going to be your………" Raoul paused he didn't know for what Shey had come Jon hadn't thought to tell him.
"I am a travelling bard" Shey said smoothly, making sure he emphasized his lilt, "Moral booster" He said simply when Leva raised an eyebrow, A bard was not what he had expected for a camp. "Also, I write for you, since your last aide went for walk-a-bouts" Shey said with a smile. This was more to Leva's liking, someone who would write does damned reports for him. "Do you have a name, Bard?" Leva asked "Shelan luthon Cara" Shey said "but you can call me Shey" This broke the ice between them Leva gripped Shey in a hug, "Well met my friend and even more if you can write good," Shey was directed to what would be his new room, it was the room of the former aide, placing his bags on the floor he looked round the small room. It had a desk and chair in one corner, many lamp and candle holders, a bed clothes press and a weapons rack. Shey carefully put his things away, the last thing he unpacked was the rag rug that Sage had brought with them that first day. He threw it out onto the floor. The room still looked bare, liveable he decided but bare. Seeing that a large amount of time that had passed, he went for look around the camp, he got three steps from his closed door, when he met Leva coming the other way.
"Ah, Shey just the man I wanted" he said cheerfully, "Two very important questions, One have you seen the camp yet and the other have you eaten. I wanted to let you settle before you had to meet the rabble in this place" Leva ran a hand over his head "Their constant fighting and arguing would make the most holy of men want to kill them" Shey laughed and shook his head, "No and No, in answer to your questions" "Good, tour, then eat" Leva said steering Shey down the corridor towards his own office and rooms, and then on, through the whole camp, the stables for the few horses, the smiths and armoury, the latrines - Male and female Shey noted with interest, not many places had that. After they had been round the whole camp and Shey had met most of the people who worked in the camp they went back to the one large mess hall. Pointing out the servers Leva and Shey got something to eat and then sat down at one of the long tables. They talked quietly for a while, Shey discovered that Leva had once been a pirate and he had out witted the Corus navy for years, when he was finally caught he had been given the choice, the mines or helping to make this camp work. A hard choice he laughed. When Shey asked how a pirate had become in charge, Leva told him no-one lived as commander of the camp for more then two years. "How long have you been in charge?" Shey finally asked.
"Four" laughed Leva, "I just don't seem to die not matter how hard they try". Shey thought this over and then laughed.
Just then a shadow fell over them, both men looked up to see a man standing over them, he was backed by two other men. The man at the front was looking as though he had swallowed a lemon, he was wearing greasy clothes and his hair looked like it could do with a good wash. "We want to talk" Said the greasy man sitting down with out invitation to. Leva watched the man silently the two other men stayed standing. "What do you want, Mal?" Leva asked wearily.
"Well its about your new aide, we have heard things about him" Mal said not even looking at Shey, he hadn't realised that Shey was the aide in question. "I really don't care what you have heard" Leva told Mal, "He's a good aide so I am told, and here is a fresh start, so what ever poison you think you have leave it?" It wasn't an order but a tone in Leva's voice hinted it would be. Leva also didn't let onto the fact they Shey was the aide. Mal didn't listen though he kept on going pleased he had some vicious rumour on someone who wasn't there to stand up for himself.
"One of the guards who travelled up with them says some interesting things" Mal said with a malicious grin, "Some very interesting things" Shey looked from man to the other, Leva looked as though he wanted to say something about who Shey was, but Shey shook his head slightly. "Lets here your rumours about the aide then" Shey said with a quick smile at Leva that Mal couldn't see. Mal frowned at Shey interruption, his face puzzled trying to place Shey accent, but failing.
"Well they say that he don't chase the women if you catch me meaning" Mal said with a rude gesture, which got across the implied message.
"They've said that for the past two and half years" Shey said looking at the man with an innocent face.
Mal faltered at this interruption. But went on, "Also, that foreign Mage, Sage" Mal sneered Sages name as if it were a bad word, this made Shey frown. "They said that they are lovers, and this morning they had a huge lover tiff because he was coming here and the Mage couldn't." Mal sniggered. Leva sat upright and grabbed Sheys arm, in an quick gesture as if steadying himself, not stopping Shey from doing something stupid.
Shey took a deep breath, looked away and then back at Leva, Leva let go of his arm and kept his hand close by, just in case! Mal saw this but didn't make a connection.
Shey interrupted Mals vicious tale with a fake smile. "Do you know, that the Mage Sage, is one of the most deadly fighters who isn't a Shang, and that his lover is the only one that can best him in a fight." Mal stopped and looked from Shey to Leva, then he smirked, "only hearsay no-one has seen the lover fight of months, he's not been seen at the palace for a long time either. Its made up stories" Mal blustered Sheys smile was beginning to unnerve him slightly.
"Really, I think that Sage would like to know that, but if I were you I would tell him by note from a long long away, he really is protective of me sometimes" Shey said, his lilting voice cheerful. Mals face froze as he registered what Shey had said. "I am Shelan Luthon Cara, Aide to Leva Okais, and" Shey paused for effect a true smile on his face this time, "Lover to the Mage that you so scorned" Shey stood up he was not as tall as some men, but he was taller then this one. "Now, I suggest that you go take yourself off, somewhere" Shey said his tone still lilting but now deadly calm and serious. Mal blushed as the implied insult, but Shey had worded it so he could not openly take offence. Mal stood shoving away the bench behind him, he turned with out a word and stalked off, his two henchmen following behind. One of the henchmen whispered something to the other, the reply was a gesture to the groin. The first henchmen looked back and then away, Shey guessed that not many people had insulted there boss before and got away with it.
Shey sat down and Leva burst out laughing, "You know I have wanted someone to do that to him for such a long time, and now you have. But now he will make life as difficult as he can for you" Leva warned as the door swung shut behind Mal.
"He is headman of the Low hills refugees, he treats all his people with scorn and contempt and he has been known to use violence against any that wont bend to him" Leva shook his head, "If I could I would have thrown him out when he first came" Shey looked at the now still door, "Well I hope for his sake that he can be civil when Sage or Numair comes, Sage isn't one to take bullies quietly" Shey told Leva turning back to what was left of his meal. Leva watched him for a moment, "I had heard the rumours before you came and then about this morning. But unless the person admits or admonishes them I never believe." Leva told Shey, also returning to his own meal. Shey simply shrugged in response. "He must care you a lot though" Leva said, "To worry about you coming here" he said a thoughtful look in his eyes. Shey suppressed a smile as they had hoped people had misconstrued what the argument was about. This made things easier.
"He does care a lot" Shey agreed "But he either generally sparks Mage Fire, or he throws things, not at me, but at walls" "MAGE FIRE" Leva sputtered, "He best be careful when he comes here then" He stopped, suddenly as if it was a tender subject. But Shey caught the direction of the mood and changed it smoothly.
"He will no doubt when he's calmed down again" As they finished there meal they talked of what needed to be done and when and all the new people who had yet to arrive. Leva told Shey that there was no resident mage, only the ones that came in passing, but plenty of healers, thanks to the palace. Finally when all was done they walked back to their rooms, after leaving Leva at his door and biding him a good night he wandered slowly to his own room at the other end of the long corridor. Locking the door behind him he undressed quickly and fell into his bed.
Over the next few months Shey fell into the routine and life, that was the camp. Though he had caused quite a stir with his clothes, true they were not as bright as Sages or as fancy but still all the seamstress and ladies had wanted to know how they were done, and Shey was more then willing to help show them, this gave him a new found respect among the women. Although he was only meant to write things for Leva many people came to him in request he either write for home or read something. He had also made up some classed to help those who couldn't read or write. And also much to the annoyance of Mal he had taught all of the refugees something in self defence. There wasn't much that Shey wouldn't do to help the others, and this he made sure they knew. He often told stories for the people at quiet times or sang songs of far away places. One morning six months after he had arrived. He was sat on a hay bale reading a letter to one of the stable hands, the hand in question, a young lad of bout fifteen Stephan his name was. Was listening as he worked. Suddenly the warning shout came down from the battlements making Shey and Stephan jump. Shey sat up, no one was meant to be coming in today, no fighting had been reported for a while and the scouts had said the road was clear, an attack maybe, there had been one or two recently. After a long moment "ALL CLEAR" was shouted, meaning that the people were friendly. Shey finished reading the letter as quickly as he could. With a promise to write a reply as soon as he could for Stephan he hurried out of the stable and onto the wall.
As he climbed the steps, one of the women who was doubling as a lookout, greeted him, "Who is it Magda?" he asked "Party from Tortall, never said they was coming though" she said walking with him the last few steps. Shey looked out leaning on the wall, he could see Raoul, Alanna, some of the Own, normal people coming to work and then at the back Numair and someone to the side of him, Shey lent forward staring intently, then he saw long silver braids and colourful clothes. "Sage" he said almost to himself.
"Probably wants to try and make up to you" said Magda leaning on the wall beside him. Despite the fact that Shey had shown off his skill as a fighter, Magda, an old matronly mother of seven children, six of which were now grown and in other places, always seemed to have a soft spot for Shey. She seemed determined to feed him up and look out for him. Because as she said. "He was no more older then her third, and he was alone because Sage was an inconsiderate male" Which made Shey laugh out loud, she believed in the rumours she had heard. And despite Sage being a powerful mage she still thought he could be nice to the one he loved.
He was shaken out of thinking by Magda. Urging him to move as the party came through the gates. "Please all of you be nice to him" He asked, knowing that all the women in Magdas sowing group would besiege the poor mage before he got within fifty yards of himself. Magda said nothing but Shey knew she would leave Sage be unless he started to shout again. Shey and Magda hurried down the steps, as Leva was away for the day scouting the land to the east, Shey would have to greet the new people. He stopped on the steps so all the people could see him. "Greetings and Welcome to Camp Greenfields, I am Shey aide to commander Leva, if you have any problems don't hesitate to ask" With that he stepped down the last few steps and walked over to Raoul, who introduced him to the new comers. Shey spoke with them and then assigned someone to take them to the appropriate places. When that was done he turned to the others Raoul had gone off with his men to talk to the camp guards and soldiers. Alanna quickly followed. Shey could guess for the sudden need to be else where, they didn't want to be around Sage if he shouted again. Sage however had gone somewhere, Shey didn't know where but he knew he would fine him sooner or later. Shey walked over and greeted Numair the only one left. They hugged and then parted.
"you took a long time" Shey told Numair. "You don't even warn us. Leva will shout" Shey warned, Numair chuckled "I know, but he will be alright when he sees what I have for him" Shey raised an eyebrow in question. Numair turned and opened a saddle bag and pulled out two bottles of whisky, Shey looked at them, and then whistled it wasn't any old whisky it was Fire whisky, this was the other world of whisky as the Raven armoury was to swords, the very best. "I think he will forgive you then" Shey said handing the bottle over. Numair put it into his bag again and together they walked round to the stables. "How long are you here for?" Shey asked as they put the horses into care of the stable hands. As they left Numair answered. Me, Alanna, Raoul and the Own are here for a few days I think, Sage longer" Numair said this with a grin and Shey turned to see it. "How so? Jon was intent on him staying with you combined power and all that" Shey asked talking quietly.
"Sage is to be our link with this area, as you know there are another two camps over the hills and Leva is looking at the east land for a third. So he came" Numair said also quietly but he grinned mischievously and Shey returned it. "And now I think I will take my leave and go and look at my room" Numair said suddenly and loudly. Shey turned to look at what Numair had seen. It was Sage heading there way looking sheepish and lovely then ever to Shey. Talking loudly had been for the benefit of some passing stable hands. Numair walked off and Sage walked up.
Sage had made an effort today, he had Stormwing feathers in his hair and he had Kohl rimmed eyes, he looked every inch exotic. His clothes were blues and purples, strangely it seemed to Shey who was wearing paler blues. He also looked very sheepish, when he reached Shey he glanced at the stable hands who were lurking nearby. "I am sorry" Was the first thing that Sage said, ducking his head and then looking back.
Shey grabbed Sage and hugged him. "Its so nice to see you again" he said hugging him tightly. After a long moment they stepped back.
"Of course I forgive you, I could never not" Shey said before Sage could say anything, this seemed to answer the next question. "Come on, we have to talk" Shey said turning and beckoning for Sage to follow, together they walked to the wall top that was over looking the woods and stream. Shey motioned with his head and the two look outs, one of them Magda turned to go, but before she got more then two steps she turned back. "I don't cares how much power you got Lord, you be nice to that boy he's good" She said fiercely, the she turned and walked away with the other look out to give them some privacy.
"Boy"? Asked Sage in Talasan, raising an eyebrow. Shey blushed, "That's Magda, headwomen of her people, she seems to think that I am defenceless even though she has seen me fight." Shey paused Sage was laughing fit to burst, "She's harmless though, I am the same age as one of her children, they have all gone and left and she needs to care for someone. She means well" he said glancing at Magda.
"That I can tell, although it does explain why I was getting evil looks of some of the other women a while ago" Sage said still laughing "How sweet" He teased.
"I am going to push you over that edge in moment and answer the question, Can a mage fly" Shey threatened. Sage took a breath and help up his hands in defeat. They sat on the wall talking until of the runners came to tell Shey that it was time for dinner and then the meeting. As Shey and Sage walked into the mess hall, silence fell starting at the door and working its way across the room a sure sign they had been talking about Sage, several people looked to Mal, who was sitting in his "court" of his people, no doubt he had been spreading rumour again. Shey looked to Sage to say something but Sage spoke first, not to Shey but to the room. "Please, don't stop on my account. I have heard all the rumours before, but I always like to hear the newest ones, its gives me something to laugh about" Several people smiled and then some more joined in as they figured out what Sage had said and laughter swept through the room. As normal conversation resumed Sage and Shey walked down the rows of people to where, Raoul, Alanna, Numair and Leva were sitting. Getting food from the food hatch Sage and Shey joined them, they all talked of innocent things, like how good the weather had been recently and how strangely the attacks from Magar had lessened but not stopped. When all were finished they left the mess hall and wandered slowly towards Leva's offices. When all were inside Sage flicked his fingers and silvery light flowed over the room. Blanketing any talk to an outside listener.
Raoul lent on the wall on the far side of the room, Numair and Alanna lounged in the other two chairs facing Leva's desk, Leva in his chair, Sage sat on one of the window sills and Shey took up the other. Papers and ink pots in Sheys window made show that he sat there often when writing for Leva.
Leva looked round the room he didn't know what this meeting was about only that it was important. When Sage had sealed the room did Leva ask.
"What's this meeting for?, something important I guess." All of the occupants nodded, Leva looked from one person to the other trying to figure out what. Finally Raoul spoke, not to Leva but to Shey. "You'd best tell him now, we know its not him" Leva said nothing but looked to Shey when Raoul spoke to him.
Shey nodded. "Leva, there is something that we, well I really have to tell you, and please don't be angry that I never told you sooner its just I couldn't until now" Leva waited patiently for Shey to go on.
"I have to tell you that I am not a aide, not really nor a bard or any of the things that I do for you, I am in reality a spy, for Tortall" Shey watched Leva, waiting for a reaction of some kind, the one he got surprised all the room.
Leva burst out laughing, then he explained seeing there faces. "I knew you were a spy soon after you came, just who for a didn't know, I guessed Tortall and I am glad to see that I was right" "How" That was from Alanna "We didn't know until a while ago, he's good we thought he would be un-noticed" "Aye, he would be, but for I have a little of the sight gift, it helps me see what people really are, or if they are lying to me" "Your not angry then?" Shey asked anxiously "Of course not, I am glad that you told me, but no not mad at you" Leva reassured Shey with a smile, "So now that I know what you are, can I know why you are here? and if you are going to be leaving me with out a good aide?" Shey shook his head, "No I am staying for the time being until we find who we are looking for" "And that is" "An agent of Magar" Alanna filled in, "He has contacts with a spy in the palace and we need to find who this spy is, he is getting some valuable information out and we have to stop him soon" Leva sat back thinking "Mal" was all he said "Pardon" Raoul said Shey sat up straight knocking some papers to the floor, he was thinking.
"Mal, headman of the Low hills refugees, they came in two years ago and he has caused so much upset in his time here" Mal told the others "Does he ever leave?" Raoul asked also sitting up straight.
"Yes" Shey answered, looking to Leva, "Not for a long time but he does, his "rides out", always a different time or day but never a different pattern, he always goes when you say your going, I've just thought on it, he complains to me, then goes for a ride" Leva played with his hands thinking this over, "He is obvious one though" he mused. "All the better then" Raoul and Alanna chimed in. Numair looked deep in thought had said nothing all evening suddenly he sat up also and looked round.
"You may like to know that someone has tripped the spells in the rooms you gave to us" Leva jumped up, "Whose?" he asked, for as small as he was he seemed to grow at this insult to his guests. Numair gazed off for a second and then refocused on them with a grim smile, "Raouls" he paused then went on "And some one has been in the room at the other end of the corridor" he looked to Shey "Mine" he said confirming, "however that's nothing new, someone has been doing that a lot since I got here but" he paused waving for quiet. A muffled bang followed by several yelps of pain and then footsteps running out of the other door by Sheys room. "I left a surprise for them this night" Sage suddenly laughed so much he nearly fell off his seat as a smell drifted into the room, Numair smelt it and laughed as well. Its was Numairs onion spell. The one that Stormwings hated, Sage had copied it a while ago so someone who was not a Mage could use it, and evidently Shey had.
They explained this to Leva who laughed too. After that they talked of what they would do to catch this agent and then the spy. Leva promised that he would put someone to watch Mal and his close confidents, not in sight but they would watch him carefully.
They talked long into the night, finally when the candles burned low they left the office and went out to there rooms. Shey lent on the wall as everyone went out, and said there goodnights. Finally only Sage and Shey were left they watched the others go to the guest rooms over the other side. Sage made to go as well but Shey caught his arm, "Surely not going alone are you?" he asked with a smile. Sage turned back and saw the smile. "Well that would depend on the offer" he answered coyly "Well that spell needs taking down and then we'll see" Shey said walking down the corridor the smell of onions was stronger when he opened his door. With out a backward glance he walked into his room, he only had to wait a moment before Sage came in kicking the door closed. "We have to argue more" he said embracing Shey Kissing him, making Sheys knees melt. "Why" he managed "Because of this" Sage kissed him again and again, "The spell" Shey whispered breathlessly Sage waved a hand and then smell lifted instantly.
((there you go, some make ups. Is there anything that my reviewers would like to see more in the next chapters, please review and tell me))
Shey stood up in his saddle, he shaded his eyes from the late afternoon sun, and looked over the column of people, they were coming into Camp Greenlands, he looked over what he could see. It Didn't look so bad, it was large, lager then most refugee camps, it had proper stone walls and metal gates, and the ground all around the road was raised and uneven, but the road itself was a flat snaking through. This meant that any attacks would have to come in, on the road. Raoul was at the head of the column, his people were spaced out all down the length, they were providing the guard until they were safely in the camp. Dom was riding near to Shey, he looked as though he wanted to say something, but Shey wouldn't look at him. He Didn't want people feeling for him, or scorning him. As they neared the gates, a guard called out a challenge to them, Raoul waved and shouted something in response, it sounded like "Lets us in" What ever it was the guard on the wall laughed and shouted down for the gates to be opened. They did and the column slowly entered into the camp.
When they were all in the gates closed behind them and were locked with sturdy wooden planks. The guards went back to guarding the gates, whilst a rather small skinny man with a cheerful face, sparse beard and smiling eyes under bushy eyebrows stood on the stairs, so he was head height with the tallest mounted man. "Welcome to refugee Camp Greenfields" The man said, his accent was that of the northern towns near Corus. The man Spread his arms round, "You are here in what will be your new home for a while, I am Camp Commander Leva Okais." Leva told them. Walking down the steps so he was on level with them all. Shey dismounted with the others, Raoul stepped forward and grasped Leva's arm and then hugged him, "You not dead yet" Raoul asked pulling back. Leva laughed a deep laugh.
"Nor for the want of um trying" he said. Looking over the people, in the column, "Any for me" he said walking down the line. Raoul followed not far behind, they stopped at two people close to the front, they were bakers and cooks, four more after that blacksmiths, the rest men at arms who needed the training they had not got in the capital.
Finally they reached Shey, Leva almost walked past him, thinking him to be one of the would be fighters, but when he fully registered Shey colourful clothes he double talked. "This is no fighter" He said Shey wasn't sure who he was talking to, Raoul or himself. Raoul stepped forward, "No, this is Shey, he is going to be your………" Raoul paused he didn't know for what Shey had come Jon hadn't thought to tell him.
"I am a travelling bard" Shey said smoothly, making sure he emphasized his lilt, "Moral booster" He said simply when Leva raised an eyebrow, A bard was not what he had expected for a camp. "Also, I write for you, since your last aide went for walk-a-bouts" Shey said with a smile. This was more to Leva's liking, someone who would write does damned reports for him. "Do you have a name, Bard?" Leva asked "Shelan luthon Cara" Shey said "but you can call me Shey" This broke the ice between them Leva gripped Shey in a hug, "Well met my friend and even more if you can write good," Shey was directed to what would be his new room, it was the room of the former aide, placing his bags on the floor he looked round the small room. It had a desk and chair in one corner, many lamp and candle holders, a bed clothes press and a weapons rack. Shey carefully put his things away, the last thing he unpacked was the rag rug that Sage had brought with them that first day. He threw it out onto the floor. The room still looked bare, liveable he decided but bare. Seeing that a large amount of time that had passed, he went for look around the camp, he got three steps from his closed door, when he met Leva coming the other way.
"Ah, Shey just the man I wanted" he said cheerfully, "Two very important questions, One have you seen the camp yet and the other have you eaten. I wanted to let you settle before you had to meet the rabble in this place" Leva ran a hand over his head "Their constant fighting and arguing would make the most holy of men want to kill them" Shey laughed and shook his head, "No and No, in answer to your questions" "Good, tour, then eat" Leva said steering Shey down the corridor towards his own office and rooms, and then on, through the whole camp, the stables for the few horses, the smiths and armoury, the latrines - Male and female Shey noted with interest, not many places had that. After they had been round the whole camp and Shey had met most of the people who worked in the camp they went back to the one large mess hall. Pointing out the servers Leva and Shey got something to eat and then sat down at one of the long tables. They talked quietly for a while, Shey discovered that Leva had once been a pirate and he had out witted the Corus navy for years, when he was finally caught he had been given the choice, the mines or helping to make this camp work. A hard choice he laughed. When Shey asked how a pirate had become in charge, Leva told him no-one lived as commander of the camp for more then two years. "How long have you been in charge?" Shey finally asked.
"Four" laughed Leva, "I just don't seem to die not matter how hard they try". Shey thought this over and then laughed.
Just then a shadow fell over them, both men looked up to see a man standing over them, he was backed by two other men. The man at the front was looking as though he had swallowed a lemon, he was wearing greasy clothes and his hair looked like it could do with a good wash. "We want to talk" Said the greasy man sitting down with out invitation to. Leva watched the man silently the two other men stayed standing. "What do you want, Mal?" Leva asked wearily.
"Well its about your new aide, we have heard things about him" Mal said not even looking at Shey, he hadn't realised that Shey was the aide in question. "I really don't care what you have heard" Leva told Mal, "He's a good aide so I am told, and here is a fresh start, so what ever poison you think you have leave it?" It wasn't an order but a tone in Leva's voice hinted it would be. Leva also didn't let onto the fact they Shey was the aide. Mal didn't listen though he kept on going pleased he had some vicious rumour on someone who wasn't there to stand up for himself.
"One of the guards who travelled up with them says some interesting things" Mal said with a malicious grin, "Some very interesting things" Shey looked from man to the other, Leva looked as though he wanted to say something about who Shey was, but Shey shook his head slightly. "Lets here your rumours about the aide then" Shey said with a quick smile at Leva that Mal couldn't see. Mal frowned at Shey interruption, his face puzzled trying to place Shey accent, but failing.
"Well they say that he don't chase the women if you catch me meaning" Mal said with a rude gesture, which got across the implied message.
"They've said that for the past two and half years" Shey said looking at the man with an innocent face.
Mal faltered at this interruption. But went on, "Also, that foreign Mage, Sage" Mal sneered Sages name as if it were a bad word, this made Shey frown. "They said that they are lovers, and this morning they had a huge lover tiff because he was coming here and the Mage couldn't." Mal sniggered. Leva sat upright and grabbed Sheys arm, in an quick gesture as if steadying himself, not stopping Shey from doing something stupid.
Shey took a deep breath, looked away and then back at Leva, Leva let go of his arm and kept his hand close by, just in case! Mal saw this but didn't make a connection.
Shey interrupted Mals vicious tale with a fake smile. "Do you know, that the Mage Sage, is one of the most deadly fighters who isn't a Shang, and that his lover is the only one that can best him in a fight." Mal stopped and looked from Shey to Leva, then he smirked, "only hearsay no-one has seen the lover fight of months, he's not been seen at the palace for a long time either. Its made up stories" Mal blustered Sheys smile was beginning to unnerve him slightly.
"Really, I think that Sage would like to know that, but if I were you I would tell him by note from a long long away, he really is protective of me sometimes" Shey said, his lilting voice cheerful. Mals face froze as he registered what Shey had said. "I am Shelan Luthon Cara, Aide to Leva Okais, and" Shey paused for effect a true smile on his face this time, "Lover to the Mage that you so scorned" Shey stood up he was not as tall as some men, but he was taller then this one. "Now, I suggest that you go take yourself off, somewhere" Shey said his tone still lilting but now deadly calm and serious. Mal blushed as the implied insult, but Shey had worded it so he could not openly take offence. Mal stood shoving away the bench behind him, he turned with out a word and stalked off, his two henchmen following behind. One of the henchmen whispered something to the other, the reply was a gesture to the groin. The first henchmen looked back and then away, Shey guessed that not many people had insulted there boss before and got away with it.
Shey sat down and Leva burst out laughing, "You know I have wanted someone to do that to him for such a long time, and now you have. But now he will make life as difficult as he can for you" Leva warned as the door swung shut behind Mal.
"He is headman of the Low hills refugees, he treats all his people with scorn and contempt and he has been known to use violence against any that wont bend to him" Leva shook his head, "If I could I would have thrown him out when he first came" Shey looked at the now still door, "Well I hope for his sake that he can be civil when Sage or Numair comes, Sage isn't one to take bullies quietly" Shey told Leva turning back to what was left of his meal. Leva watched him for a moment, "I had heard the rumours before you came and then about this morning. But unless the person admits or admonishes them I never believe." Leva told Shey, also returning to his own meal. Shey simply shrugged in response. "He must care you a lot though" Leva said, "To worry about you coming here" he said a thoughtful look in his eyes. Shey suppressed a smile as they had hoped people had misconstrued what the argument was about. This made things easier.
"He does care a lot" Shey agreed "But he either generally sparks Mage Fire, or he throws things, not at me, but at walls" "MAGE FIRE" Leva sputtered, "He best be careful when he comes here then" He stopped, suddenly as if it was a tender subject. But Shey caught the direction of the mood and changed it smoothly.
"He will no doubt when he's calmed down again" As they finished there meal they talked of what needed to be done and when and all the new people who had yet to arrive. Leva told Shey that there was no resident mage, only the ones that came in passing, but plenty of healers, thanks to the palace. Finally when all was done they walked back to their rooms, after leaving Leva at his door and biding him a good night he wandered slowly to his own room at the other end of the long corridor. Locking the door behind him he undressed quickly and fell into his bed.
Over the next few months Shey fell into the routine and life, that was the camp. Though he had caused quite a stir with his clothes, true they were not as bright as Sages or as fancy but still all the seamstress and ladies had wanted to know how they were done, and Shey was more then willing to help show them, this gave him a new found respect among the women. Although he was only meant to write things for Leva many people came to him in request he either write for home or read something. He had also made up some classed to help those who couldn't read or write. And also much to the annoyance of Mal he had taught all of the refugees something in self defence. There wasn't much that Shey wouldn't do to help the others, and this he made sure they knew. He often told stories for the people at quiet times or sang songs of far away places. One morning six months after he had arrived. He was sat on a hay bale reading a letter to one of the stable hands, the hand in question, a young lad of bout fifteen Stephan his name was. Was listening as he worked. Suddenly the warning shout came down from the battlements making Shey and Stephan jump. Shey sat up, no one was meant to be coming in today, no fighting had been reported for a while and the scouts had said the road was clear, an attack maybe, there had been one or two recently. After a long moment "ALL CLEAR" was shouted, meaning that the people were friendly. Shey finished reading the letter as quickly as he could. With a promise to write a reply as soon as he could for Stephan he hurried out of the stable and onto the wall.
As he climbed the steps, one of the women who was doubling as a lookout, greeted him, "Who is it Magda?" he asked "Party from Tortall, never said they was coming though" she said walking with him the last few steps. Shey looked out leaning on the wall, he could see Raoul, Alanna, some of the Own, normal people coming to work and then at the back Numair and someone to the side of him, Shey lent forward staring intently, then he saw long silver braids and colourful clothes. "Sage" he said almost to himself.
"Probably wants to try and make up to you" said Magda leaning on the wall beside him. Despite the fact that Shey had shown off his skill as a fighter, Magda, an old matronly mother of seven children, six of which were now grown and in other places, always seemed to have a soft spot for Shey. She seemed determined to feed him up and look out for him. Because as she said. "He was no more older then her third, and he was alone because Sage was an inconsiderate male" Which made Shey laugh out loud, she believed in the rumours she had heard. And despite Sage being a powerful mage she still thought he could be nice to the one he loved.
He was shaken out of thinking by Magda. Urging him to move as the party came through the gates. "Please all of you be nice to him" He asked, knowing that all the women in Magdas sowing group would besiege the poor mage before he got within fifty yards of himself. Magda said nothing but Shey knew she would leave Sage be unless he started to shout again. Shey and Magda hurried down the steps, as Leva was away for the day scouting the land to the east, Shey would have to greet the new people. He stopped on the steps so all the people could see him. "Greetings and Welcome to Camp Greenfields, I am Shey aide to commander Leva, if you have any problems don't hesitate to ask" With that he stepped down the last few steps and walked over to Raoul, who introduced him to the new comers. Shey spoke with them and then assigned someone to take them to the appropriate places. When that was done he turned to the others Raoul had gone off with his men to talk to the camp guards and soldiers. Alanna quickly followed. Shey could guess for the sudden need to be else where, they didn't want to be around Sage if he shouted again. Sage however had gone somewhere, Shey didn't know where but he knew he would fine him sooner or later. Shey walked over and greeted Numair the only one left. They hugged and then parted.
"you took a long time" Shey told Numair. "You don't even warn us. Leva will shout" Shey warned, Numair chuckled "I know, but he will be alright when he sees what I have for him" Shey raised an eyebrow in question. Numair turned and opened a saddle bag and pulled out two bottles of whisky, Shey looked at them, and then whistled it wasn't any old whisky it was Fire whisky, this was the other world of whisky as the Raven armoury was to swords, the very best. "I think he will forgive you then" Shey said handing the bottle over. Numair put it into his bag again and together they walked round to the stables. "How long are you here for?" Shey asked as they put the horses into care of the stable hands. As they left Numair answered. Me, Alanna, Raoul and the Own are here for a few days I think, Sage longer" Numair said this with a grin and Shey turned to see it. "How so? Jon was intent on him staying with you combined power and all that" Shey asked talking quietly.
"Sage is to be our link with this area, as you know there are another two camps over the hills and Leva is looking at the east land for a third. So he came" Numair said also quietly but he grinned mischievously and Shey returned it. "And now I think I will take my leave and go and look at my room" Numair said suddenly and loudly. Shey turned to look at what Numair had seen. It was Sage heading there way looking sheepish and lovely then ever to Shey. Talking loudly had been for the benefit of some passing stable hands. Numair walked off and Sage walked up.
Sage had made an effort today, he had Stormwing feathers in his hair and he had Kohl rimmed eyes, he looked every inch exotic. His clothes were blues and purples, strangely it seemed to Shey who was wearing paler blues. He also looked very sheepish, when he reached Shey he glanced at the stable hands who were lurking nearby. "I am sorry" Was the first thing that Sage said, ducking his head and then looking back.
Shey grabbed Sage and hugged him. "Its so nice to see you again" he said hugging him tightly. After a long moment they stepped back.
"Of course I forgive you, I could never not" Shey said before Sage could say anything, this seemed to answer the next question. "Come on, we have to talk" Shey said turning and beckoning for Sage to follow, together they walked to the wall top that was over looking the woods and stream. Shey motioned with his head and the two look outs, one of them Magda turned to go, but before she got more then two steps she turned back. "I don't cares how much power you got Lord, you be nice to that boy he's good" She said fiercely, the she turned and walked away with the other look out to give them some privacy.
"Boy"? Asked Sage in Talasan, raising an eyebrow. Shey blushed, "That's Magda, headwomen of her people, she seems to think that I am defenceless even though she has seen me fight." Shey paused Sage was laughing fit to burst, "She's harmless though, I am the same age as one of her children, they have all gone and left and she needs to care for someone. She means well" he said glancing at Magda.
"That I can tell, although it does explain why I was getting evil looks of some of the other women a while ago" Sage said still laughing "How sweet" He teased.
"I am going to push you over that edge in moment and answer the question, Can a mage fly" Shey threatened. Sage took a breath and help up his hands in defeat. They sat on the wall talking until of the runners came to tell Shey that it was time for dinner and then the meeting. As Shey and Sage walked into the mess hall, silence fell starting at the door and working its way across the room a sure sign they had been talking about Sage, several people looked to Mal, who was sitting in his "court" of his people, no doubt he had been spreading rumour again. Shey looked to Sage to say something but Sage spoke first, not to Shey but to the room. "Please, don't stop on my account. I have heard all the rumours before, but I always like to hear the newest ones, its gives me something to laugh about" Several people smiled and then some more joined in as they figured out what Sage had said and laughter swept through the room. As normal conversation resumed Sage and Shey walked down the rows of people to where, Raoul, Alanna, Numair and Leva were sitting. Getting food from the food hatch Sage and Shey joined them, they all talked of innocent things, like how good the weather had been recently and how strangely the attacks from Magar had lessened but not stopped. When all were finished they left the mess hall and wandered slowly towards Leva's offices. When all were inside Sage flicked his fingers and silvery light flowed over the room. Blanketing any talk to an outside listener.
Raoul lent on the wall on the far side of the room, Numair and Alanna lounged in the other two chairs facing Leva's desk, Leva in his chair, Sage sat on one of the window sills and Shey took up the other. Papers and ink pots in Sheys window made show that he sat there often when writing for Leva.
Leva looked round the room he didn't know what this meeting was about only that it was important. When Sage had sealed the room did Leva ask.
"What's this meeting for?, something important I guess." All of the occupants nodded, Leva looked from one person to the other trying to figure out what. Finally Raoul spoke, not to Leva but to Shey. "You'd best tell him now, we know its not him" Leva said nothing but looked to Shey when Raoul spoke to him.
Shey nodded. "Leva, there is something that we, well I really have to tell you, and please don't be angry that I never told you sooner its just I couldn't until now" Leva waited patiently for Shey to go on.
"I have to tell you that I am not a aide, not really nor a bard or any of the things that I do for you, I am in reality a spy, for Tortall" Shey watched Leva, waiting for a reaction of some kind, the one he got surprised all the room.
Leva burst out laughing, then he explained seeing there faces. "I knew you were a spy soon after you came, just who for a didn't know, I guessed Tortall and I am glad to see that I was right" "How" That was from Alanna "We didn't know until a while ago, he's good we thought he would be un-noticed" "Aye, he would be, but for I have a little of the sight gift, it helps me see what people really are, or if they are lying to me" "Your not angry then?" Shey asked anxiously "Of course not, I am glad that you told me, but no not mad at you" Leva reassured Shey with a smile, "So now that I know what you are, can I know why you are here? and if you are going to be leaving me with out a good aide?" Shey shook his head, "No I am staying for the time being until we find who we are looking for" "And that is" "An agent of Magar" Alanna filled in, "He has contacts with a spy in the palace and we need to find who this spy is, he is getting some valuable information out and we have to stop him soon" Leva sat back thinking "Mal" was all he said "Pardon" Raoul said Shey sat up straight knocking some papers to the floor, he was thinking.
"Mal, headman of the Low hills refugees, they came in two years ago and he has caused so much upset in his time here" Mal told the others "Does he ever leave?" Raoul asked also sitting up straight.
"Yes" Shey answered, looking to Leva, "Not for a long time but he does, his "rides out", always a different time or day but never a different pattern, he always goes when you say your going, I've just thought on it, he complains to me, then goes for a ride" Leva played with his hands thinking this over, "He is obvious one though" he mused. "All the better then" Raoul and Alanna chimed in. Numair looked deep in thought had said nothing all evening suddenly he sat up also and looked round.
"You may like to know that someone has tripped the spells in the rooms you gave to us" Leva jumped up, "Whose?" he asked, for as small as he was he seemed to grow at this insult to his guests. Numair gazed off for a second and then refocused on them with a grim smile, "Raouls" he paused then went on "And some one has been in the room at the other end of the corridor" he looked to Shey "Mine" he said confirming, "however that's nothing new, someone has been doing that a lot since I got here but" he paused waving for quiet. A muffled bang followed by several yelps of pain and then footsteps running out of the other door by Sheys room. "I left a surprise for them this night" Sage suddenly laughed so much he nearly fell off his seat as a smell drifted into the room, Numair smelt it and laughed as well. Its was Numairs onion spell. The one that Stormwings hated, Sage had copied it a while ago so someone who was not a Mage could use it, and evidently Shey had.
They explained this to Leva who laughed too. After that they talked of what they would do to catch this agent and then the spy. Leva promised that he would put someone to watch Mal and his close confidents, not in sight but they would watch him carefully.
They talked long into the night, finally when the candles burned low they left the office and went out to there rooms. Shey lent on the wall as everyone went out, and said there goodnights. Finally only Sage and Shey were left they watched the others go to the guest rooms over the other side. Sage made to go as well but Shey caught his arm, "Surely not going alone are you?" he asked with a smile. Sage turned back and saw the smile. "Well that would depend on the offer" he answered coyly "Well that spell needs taking down and then we'll see" Shey said walking down the corridor the smell of onions was stronger when he opened his door. With out a backward glance he walked into his room, he only had to wait a moment before Sage came in kicking the door closed. "We have to argue more" he said embracing Shey Kissing him, making Sheys knees melt. "Why" he managed "Because of this" Sage kissed him again and again, "The spell" Shey whispered breathlessly Sage waved a hand and then smell lifted instantly.
((there you go, some make ups. Is there anything that my reviewers would like to see more in the next chapters, please review and tell me))