The New Life

a novel by Mark Robert Whitten

Chapter 27

The boredom was the worst. It wasn't the heat, oppressive and constant like he was wrapped in wool or the jolt of the carriage or the persistent snoring of the girl next to him; it was the absolute, mind-numbing boredom. He didn't think he could stand it. As they turned another bend in the road, Jess clutched the seat and tilted to the side as he had been instructed. Undisturbed by the sudden movement, Leslie still snoozed peacefully, her head resting on his shoulder. He stroked a hand down her long, golden hair and smiled. The ride was long, tedious and turbulent but Leslie was able to sleep through a great deal. She had never snored when she slept beside him on the farm but something about the carriage ride, her parents said, made her sleepy and made her snore. Jess smiled at her parents from across the carriage. Most of their time together had been spent exchanging stories about Leslie, her parents telling him of the mischief she caused back when she was little and Jess of more recent events. Jess had found that Leslie had always been a handful even from the time before she could talk, crawling around and exploring her room and later running through the halls before she ran away.

"She was always a precocious child," the Duke complained, but the light that shined in his eyes when he said it was a beacon of pride. Jess understood the sentiment. He ran a hand down Leslie's long, golden hair, thinking how proud he was of her. As she slept, he told Lord and Lady Burke of how hard she worked on the farm and how she got into her fair share of trouble. He never mentioned his father's taking her over his knee, but he shared without hesitation the stories of how she made everyone laugh with her wit and charm. She was the best friend he ever had and she taught him so much. Lord and Lady Burke, for the most part, listened attentively to the tales of their daughter's exploits, nodding in understanding of the things Jess told them that Leslie had said and laughing at hearing how she had been kicked stark naked into the pond for a bath. Jess had expected them to be concerned but the Duke found the tale a proper one for later telling, at supper perhaps, when he thought it would make Leslie blush and chide him with cries of "Father!"

Jess begged them not to tell that story for fear Leslie would be angry with him. They agreed for his sake, but said they would never forget the image it brought to their minds and how it suited her to be given a push when she needed it. Jess silently thanked his sister Brenda; she was a mean girl to live with but she had provided a bit of fun.

As they passed by the farm, Jess peeked out the window at where his home still stood. He felt pride swell up at the sight of the grand house his parents had built with the money the Duke had sent and felt a surge of further pride at knowing he had helped provide that money by taking care of Leslie. Jess had written to his parents every month, telling them of what he learned and how much fun he was having and they had written back about all they were doing with the money they had received as recompense for his departure. After seven months, Jess thought that his family was the richest in town.

Jess never really thought he could bring such prosperity to his family, especially by leaving but he had done what he could for them and he couldn't have been happier.

If only Leslie would stop snoring…

When night fell, they spent their evenings in the finest inns in towns and cities unlike any Jess had ever seen. A farm boy like him had never been farther north than Westwood and to see other places was a wonder. He enjoyed spending his time traveling with the Burkes and as they made their way north, they were joined by many more soldiers from Leslie's family's estates. Jess supposed the Duke and his family needed such escorts to protect them on their way to the crown city and he marveled at how many men bore the symbol of the House of Burke. Jess observed Tom riding Nova alongside the carriage that bore Miss Edmunds. She spoke to him through the window and laughed at something he told her. Jess envied them. As much as he enjoyed talking with the Burkes, Jess had grown very fond of Tom and Miss Edmunds was still his love. He wished he could speak to them for a while but kept the thought to himself.

As the days turned into weeks, the cities they visited grew larger. Jess marveled at the sights of the large communities, noting that some were the size of Millsburg and some were even bigger. Leslie told him the crown city was larger still. "Believe me," she said, stifling a yawn, "You haven't seen anything yet."

Jess didn't really know what she meant by that but he hoped it meant their destination held more wonders than he had seen. He realized for the first time that they were heading toward a place no one from his home had ever been, a place of meeting for the most important people in their entire Kingdom. He knew he should be patient, but the excitement of that realization was making him itch. He wanted to be there to see the people, the wizards and warlocks, the nobles and royalty.

As the days past, Jess worried over how he would act. He hoped he wouldn't faint.

At last, after an interminably long day a messenger rode up to the carriage window and announced that they were approaching the crown city. Jess lit up, helping Leslie come awake. He wanted to leap out of the carriage and see the sights but he didn't dare.

As Leslie sat up and rubbed her eyes, Jess shook with excitement.

They had finally arrived.

000

Music floated to them as the carriage approached their destination. Jess sat back atop the driver's seat and took in the sight of the crown city in its entire splendor. Before he met Leslie, the town of Westwood was as big as anything Jess could have imagined. Sine he had come to work for the Burkes he had seen places that made his hometown seem not but a thatched hut. But none of the grand cities he had seen on his way to their destination could prepare him for the sight of the crown city of Ashura.

As they crested a rise, the sprawling city at last came into view. It stretched as far as his eyes could see. He had never imagined something as vast as Ashura could ever exist.

The stone wall surrounding the city was larger than anything he had ever seen, blocking his view of much of the front of the city as they approached. Leslie was still in the carriage but he wished she could see what he now glimpsed. The driver beside him was a kind old man, letting him sit up beside him and even steer the horses awhile and as they drew closer, the sound of trumpets and drums and flutes and pipes flowed over Jess, welcoming him into the home of the King. The first part of their procession began to funnel through the gates to the city and Jess knew it would be a few minutes before their carriage would enter the massive portal.

The sounds of cheering and laughter accompanied the endless cacophony of musical accompaniment and at last they approached the main gates of the city, standing open to welcome the countless thousands of people filing in form afar and joining the shifting crowds. The noise was deafening. The cobblestone streets were flooded with more people than Jess could even imagine. Commoners and soldiers, merchants and gamblers, from the well-dressed and respected, to the shabby and unshaven were all talking, eating, and playing games, singing, dancing and cheering. It seemed to Jess as nothing more than the largest festival he had ever glimpsed. It put the harvest festival in Westwood to shame.

The spectacle of so many people enjoying themselves was enough to overwhelm him. He wondered if those he left back home were even aware of how trivial their mediocre celebrations really were. He wondered if everyone would ever believe him about all the things he witnessed. He wondered if he even believed it himself. Everywhere he looked there were jugglers and acrobats and musicians and tables with contests of skill, with people laughing and singing and dancing in several places all at once. Jess wondered how he could hope to see even half of what happened during the massive three-day event. Eventually he realized that one couldn't hope to experience everything and he would simply have to enjoy what he could and hope he didn't miss anything important.

A few more hours of steady travel took the procession towards the implacable majesty of the distant palace. Jess kept his eyes ahead. As the mist cleared, the place seemed to appear like something out of a dream, towers and spires shining in the morning light, welcoming all with its majesty and splendor.

The soldiers weren't allowed past a certain point and as they peeled away, Jess noticed their own pace was quickening. Without the press of so many soldiers to keep them safe the carriages and servant wagons slipped more easily through the crowds, especially when the crowds thinned as they reached the wealthier districts. Jess knew from what Leslie had told him that they were to spend the majority of their time in the best part of the city, near the royal palace and the large houses of wealthy merchants and that the final evening's event would be a royal ball inside the palace itself. The sights he had seen while coming into the city were mostly for peasants and he knew that he would not likely be returning to that part of the city until it was time to return home. The streets became clearer as they widened, the people strolling along comfortably in fine clothes observing the modest tables and games. The large houses and shops along the sides of the street grew grander as the cobblestone street opened enough to let the procession of servants, messengers, wagons and carriages through without reaching the distant edges of the main road. Jess noticed large tress lining the edges of the street arrayed systematically before the finest inns he had ever seen. He wondered which they would be staying in for their long visit to the greatest city in the kingdom.

He glanced ahead, certain he would have a clear view of the palace by now. Jess gaped at the sight of it. It was even more impressive up close. The imposing might and majesty of the place almost seemed to be calling to him with both welcome and warning.

In the misty distance the home of the King stood alone atop an island in the center of what Leslie had called the lake of Destiny. Several stone bridges linked it to the city proper and Jess noticed for the first time the guards standing watch on both sides of the bridge ahead. Light glinted off their helmets and fine armor as they stood at stiff attention or patrolled the ground in well-disciplined groups. Their uniforms were fine white shirts under blue tunics bearing the golden image of the griffin, the symbol of the Royal House.

Jess knew by Leslie's stories that they were the Royal guards of Arkahna, the finest soldiers in the Kingdom.

As their carriage rolled to a stop at the side of the wide street, the driver nudged him with his bony elbow. Jess nodded that he understood and immediately climbed down and opened the door for Leslie. Giving her a hand down, he stepped aside as Leslie stepped into the clean street. They looked about a moment, admiring the view and savoring the fact that they had finally arrived. As she turned to him Jess asked which inn they would occupy. Leslie laughed. "We're not staying at an inn, Jess."

Jess frowned. "What? Are we going to sleep in the street?"

"No." She pointed to one of the larger buildings. "My family owns that house."

Jess stood back, taking in the sight as the carriage pulled away. They were to become settled while Leslie's parents visited the palace and made their arrival official. Jess was pleased to see both Miss Edmunds and Tom were there to look after them and as the servants began unloading the trunks from their wagons, Jess wondered at how everything would fit into their rooms. Judging by the size of the place, he guessed they'd have room to spare. Leslie took the lead and led them through the front door. Jess gazed about the room, taking in everything. It was a grand place, as impressive inside as it was outside. The furniture was richly decorated, with velvet upholstered chairs and couches beside walnut tables. There were red velvet seats trimmed in gold and every single thing looked as if it would cost him much more than the mere seven gold crowns he carried. He glimpsed several servants sweeping floors, polishing tables and replacing flowers in vases. As Leslie led him to the center of the room, they were immediately greeted by a servant in fine clothes who wasted no time in bowing to Leslie. "Ah, welcome home, my dear lady. I trust your journey was pleasant."

"As much as could be expected," Leslie said in a flat tone. Jess recognized it as her business voice. She held up a hand. "This is Jess, my new valet." The man dipped his head to him and Jess bowed in response. Leslie yawned. "Please show us to our rooms, James. We're both very eager to settle in for the day."

James bowed again. "Of course, my lady, of course." He immediately turned on his heel and led them both up a wide-set staircase to the upper floor. The servants followed carrying their trunks as Leslie and Jess marched up the mahogany stairs to the grandest of rooms he had seen since departing the castle in Millsburg.

As soon as they entered their room, Leslie took him into the bedchamber and closed the door while the servants rushed about unpacking her clothes and other things in the common room. As soon as the door was secure, Leslie turned to him, folding her arms across her chest. "I hope you don't plan to act like that when we enter the palace."

"What-what are you talking about," he stammered. "I was just…"

"Look, I know this is an amazing place but you have to behave like you belong here." Leslie took his hand and led him to the windows. "It's just a city, nothing more. Just behave like I do and everything will be fine."

He followed her gaze through the glass and saw a few people milling about. A mother pulled a child along down the street as wagons and horses and men in uniforms moved like they had somewhere to be.

Jess wondered where he was supposed to be at that moment.

Leslie settled into her room, sharing a quiet meal with him while finishing the last of her instructions on what to expect and what was expected of him. He wanted to be ready, but when he tried to ask more questions, she told him not to worry, that he would be fine.

They spent their next days exploring the festivities, Leslie enjoying the games of chance and Jess wanted to see every juggler and acrobat, musician and performer in the festival. The only thing they avoided was the bearbaiting, where a large angry bear would be held by chains and assaulted by a pack of dogs to the cheers of the crowd. Leslie would pull away from him, groaning about how barbaric she thought it seemed. Jess couldn't argue with her assessment but he was quick to point out that bears were monstrous creatures that wouldn't think twice about eating her if they got the chance.

Upon hearing this, she scowled at him. "Actually, Jess, from what I've read, bears are very social creatures with families and friends. They're a lot like us, if you care to think about it—except I don't know many bears that would hurt me for nothing more than the contents of my purse."

Jess shrugged. He knew she was right of course; people could be much crueler than bears. He conceded her point as he led her away from the sight. Leslie mumbled that she wished the King would put a stop to it. Jess bought her a fried bread cake to ease her discomfort and take her mind off things she couldn't change. He liked the way Leslie cared about everyone—even the predators—but some things just couldn't be helped.

Jess suspected that her future bothered her more than the bearbaiting—that she was able to relate to its helplessness. She was soon to be surrounded by dogs that would devour her life to the cheers of the crowd. Jess had never thought of a wedding as something cruel before. Boring, perhaps, but never cruel.

Of course being forced to marry someone you didn't love was different.

His sister's wedding had been pleasant enough. He remembered reading about the way half the town fussed over the celebration, mother and Brenda and half a dozen other women buzzing about Ellie like bees, painting her face, putting flowers in her hair and shooing away any boy that got too close. Jess remembered reading how nervous Ellie seemed, but that she also appeared excited to finally be marrying someone. Henry was a good man and Jess knew he would make her happy. From the letter Jess could also tell that the feast was grand, the wedding cakes piled so high it was thought they surely would topple and as Ellie and Henry reached over the cakes, they kissed and the crowd erupted. It was reported to be a time of celebration. It was something Jess was sorry he missed.

Four months had passed since that time. Ellie was with child now and Jess would soon be an uncle. He still couldn't believe it. Everything seemed so wonderful.

But Leslie could never have that.

Her marriage would be a business arrangement, a contract between two noble houses, nothing more. Jess wished he could do something to change that but her father's words echoed through him, destroying his dream. Only the King can nullify a marriage. He sighed. There was no way to help Leslie so Jess contented himself with the festival, the colors and wonders and splendors, the limitless sights, sounds and smells of activity. He listened to music and stories and joked with Leslie and helped her forget what was to come and as the sun set on their first day in the city, they finally retired to their rooms.

Jess lounged in his bed and tried to think of a way to help his friend but sleep found him long before he could find the answer.