Chapter 2 An Unpleasent Errand
"Where have you been, I've been calling you" Redda asked her youngest as he ran in through the door.
"Carra found me, she said you were looking for me" he said not quite answering her question.
"I want you to go to Lorimal and have him bake some of those meat pies he's so proud of" she told Raver. It wouldn't hurt to add some berry pies as well, the little ones mind you".
"Why" he asked snitching one of the greens she was preparing for supper.
"In case the Heralds end up stopping here for a meal" she said looking up from her task.
"If they don't come can I have a berry pie" he asked hopefully.
"We'll see about that" was her answer.
He sighed, when a grownup said something like that it usually meant no. He quickly walked through the house to the front door before his ma could come up with any other errands. Once outside he ran, hoping he wouldn't run into Hermal or any of the other's.
Luck wasn't with him today, he saw Hermal and Jodrey across the road from the bakery.
Jodrey nudged his friend and pointed in Raver's direction. He quickly ducked into the bakery hoping they would get tired of waiting for him, before he was through with his errand.
Lorimal was talking to Sara the blacksmith's daughter, about the weather of all things. For once Raver didn't care, he was glad to wait until they were done. He walked over to the table of pies waiting, ready for those who had ordered them. He sniffed, taking in the smell of fresh baking. He was eying one of the pies wondering if anyone would notice if a piece of the crust dropped off when he heard his name.
"Huh" he asked.
"I asked, will it rain next week" Sarah asked him.
He felt for the part of himself that knew these things and shook his head "No not for a couple of weeks".
She smiled, relieved. Raver thought she had a nice smile, not like some of the other's, Hermal's mother for instance, she was always frowning. I would frown too, if I had a son like Hermal, he thought to himself.
When Sara finally left he waved to Lorimal to get his attention. "Ma wants some of your meat pies and some of the small berry pies" he told him.
"Why is that" he asked startled, she never ordered pies until the week's end.
"The Heralds from Valdemar are passing through the town and she wants to have something ready in case they stop for a meal".
Lorimal puffed up with the thought of important foreigner's eating some of his pies.
He nodded to Raver "Tell her they will be ready". Feeling generous he added "Here, have a berry pie, I made extra".
Raver mumbled his thanks through the pie and left the bakery. If he finished before Hermal saw him he would be better off.
"Well, if it isn't the witchboy" Hermal's voice drawled from the next doorway. Jodrey laughed. Hermal walked up and grabbed his pie from his hands.
"hey" he yelped.
"You know what the priest says about sharing" Hermal said taking a bite of the pie.
"I know what he said about stealing" Raver retorted.
"Are you calling me a thief"Hermal asked, a dangerous note in his voice.
Both of the boys were several years older, and bigger than he was, Raver gulped and said "No".
"I didn't think so" Hermal said satisfaction in his voice. He finished the pie and looked down at Raver "Pity, the mayor should have someone like you for a son, it brings the whole town down".
Raver was furious, but he knew better than to respond, he turned and walked away hearing the laughter of the two until he was almost home.