Relfys

By Rigel Ailur

An ultimatum forces Tann to leave home and finally set out on her own. With only her talent for painting to rely on, she decides to head across the queendom to meet an aristocrat she’s corresponded with but never met. Instead of a warm welcome, she finds no sign of the noblewoman and only a lone young man in residence—a man who warns her that nearby villagers are growing murderous and admits he’s frightened of what they may do.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bluetrix Books
• Release date: Jul 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781370409563

Book preview

Some people needed a shove to stand on their own.

By all that was holy, now she’d done it, Tann thought as she rode her brown mare Larav along the winding country road. She’d really done it this time—definitely no going back now. Wind pulled at her loose brown trousers and tunic and seemed to mock her as it sang through the tall treetops. As if echoed in the gale, her mother’s words still rang in Tann’s ears even two weeks after the fact.

As long as you’re under my roof, you will do as I say.

Since Tann really had had no answer for that, she was no longer under her mother’s roof. On the entire planet of Mimion, mothers rarely chose their daughters’ spouses—when women married at all—and Tann had refused to accept her mother’s choice for her. If her widowed mother liked him so well, she could marry him herself. Tann admitted to herself she didn’t quite understand why her mother had suddenly fixated on this particular suitor for her daughter who, after all, was already engaged to another man.

Relfys

Rigel Ailur

Bluetrix Books

Relfys

Rigel Ailur

Published by Bluetrix Books

© 2018 by Rigel Ailur

© 2018 cover design by Rigel Ailur

ISBN-13: 978-1721193455

ISBN-10: 1721193456

Copyrighted material. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce in part or in whole without the express prior written consent of the author.

All characters and events in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.

Relfys

Chapter 1

Paintbrush poised, Tann studied the toddler on the canvas in front of her and felt a rush of pride at the lifelike work. If only the noblewoman thought highly enough of her painting... Tann had positioned the easel to keep the painting clear of the salty breeze rattling the shutters as it came through the window. Normally she enjoyed the ocean being literally on their doorstep, albeit down a grade small yet sufficient to keep them safe from even storm tides. Nor did she begrudge the upper class such as her employer, the Marquis of Deej, luxuries like glass for windows. But at that moment, she wouldn’t have minded being able to keep out more moisture so her oils dried faster.

Exasperation plain in her voice, her mother asked, Tann, what are you doing? Make sure you don’t have paint all over you. Our guest will be here soon.

Despite knowing her mother was busy downstairs in her office, Tann spared a glance over her shoulder to confirm the words were indeed telepathy she ‘‘heard’ in her head. Sometimes she just had to make sure her mother hadn’t crept up behind her.

Taking a deep breath to shore up her patience, Tann sent a calm telepathic reply. "Your guest, mother. Remember I told you I had already made plans today? I’ll only be here for another hour or so."

I told you to clear your schedule for today. You do have to actually spend time with Greyson if you want to court him, you know. The tone sharpened.

Sighing, Tann put down her paint brush. She’d never get anything else done on the painting today. Luckily she was down to the final touches anyway. Savoring the feeling of satisfaction, she looked forward to delivering it tomorrow. And I reminded you that I’m already engaged. And my fiancé and I have plans. You’ll have to entertain the widower yourself. In fact, I’ll be leaving in a few minutes rather than later.

Whatever her mother had been about to reply was lost to a firm knock on their front door. Tann ignored it. Considering the size of her family living in the two-story house, there were more than enough of them downstairs to answer it. She cleaned her brushes, then found a rag and cleaned off as much of the paint from her hands as she could. Picking up her jacket and going downstairs, she saw that her Uncle Gille stood talking to a distinguished-looking man still standing in the doorway.

Tann extended her left hand to the short, trim man not that much taller than herself. It’s nice to see you again, Greyson. How are you? She hoped he could tell her greeting was sincere. Just because she refused to marry him didn’t mean she bore him any ill will. She blamed her mother.

He gave a little bow along with the firm handclasp. Fine, thank you. Your uncle here was just telling me you’re painting a birthday present for the Marquis’ daughter.

That’s right. It’s almost done, but I’m afraid I’m running short on some pigment. I have to go searching the countryside so I can finish. And time is running short. If you’ll excuse me, please… she gave him a nod she hoped was friendly enough, then turned to her uncle and stood on her toes to kiss his cheek.

He gave her the usual bear hug. Will you be back for dinner, Littles?

She shook her head. I’ll probably eat with Zack. Don’t wait on my account.

With a wave to both of them, she followed the path down to the beach. As she walked, she mentally called to Zack. His deep voice, the telepathic mirror of his speaking voice, came quickly in reply.

I know I’m early, she said, But are you busy now? I’m off to the woods in search of pigment plants.

She could feel him chuckle. Your mother drove you out of the house?

How’d you guess? Surprised at her mood lightening, she laughed in return. Zack always made her feel better. Want to meet me?

Usual spot. Fifteen minutes, he agreed.

They met in a glade on the other side of the hills separating the sea from the forest. After sharing a lingering kiss, they joined hands and strolled among the trees.

So what colors are you short of? I need to know what to look for.

She grinned up at him, always flattered by the interest he took in her work. Although not yet supporting herself as a painter, she always felt he understood her dream.

All of them. I don’t plan to go back home anytime soon today, she admitted. Besides, I can use them.

How’s the painting coming?

Practically done. I’m pretty happy with it, actually.

He chuckled again. Which no doubt means it’s magnificent. I know you, he forestalled her inevitable rebuttal. You’re so critical, you see every little stroke you’d like to change, every color you’d like to adjust. I’m just glad you’re starting to acknowledge how much talent you do have. The self-portrait you did for me is wonderful. And I like everything you’ve ever done of me.

She shot him a wry, amused glance. At first he’d sat for her so she could practice. But the closer they’d grown, the more often their painting sessions had been cut short as they’d succumbed to more amorous activities. Luckily, her family members and other friends humored her and let her paint them as well.

They wandered the wood until the sun began sinking into the sea. A multitude of plants in hand as the evening air cooled, they returned to the small house Zack still shared with his parents and younger sister. Although smaller than Tann’s family’s, it also nestled on the hill beneath the Marquis’ grand manor.

After helping clean up following a lovely, restful dinner, Tann rose from next to Zack on the sofa. I’d better get home. Thank you for the delicious supper, she told his sister.

The girl barely looked up from her book but gave a shy smile of appreciation.

Thank your mother for me as well, please, Tann said, leaning down to kiss Zack’s forehead. I’ll see you tomorrow.

He smiled as if he were watching her march into battle, and Tann could only hope he was wrong as she let herself out. Even in the darkness, she easily followed the wide, even path around the hill to her house. Flickering lantern light still shone out a number of windows, including the offices.

As Tann let herself in, the expected summons came. Tann, please come see me, her mother said telepathically in a tone allowing no argument.

Trying to shake off the feeling that she was preparing for mortal combat, Tann went to her mother’s office. She found her mother Maev sitting behind her desk, just as well because she was so much taller than her daughter. Tann didn’t want to crane her neck looking up at her.

It never ceased to amaze Tann how alike in looks, yet unlike in personality, her mother and her Uncle Gille were. They shared a sturdy build, stunning pale blue-lavender eyes, and perfectly straight beige-blond hair. But whereas her mother personified ‘adamant,’ her uncle was the epitome of affable, unfailingly affectionate and easygoing.

Oh, her mother meant well, in her own domineering way. Of that Tann had no doubt. But at Tann’s age, it was beyond annoying that her mother refused to affirm Tann’s right to live her own life.

It was on the tip of Tann’s tongue to ask how the visit had gone, but prudence made her bite back the words. No use starting on an antagonistic note. Instead she settled for a neutral Hello, Mother and held her peace.

I’ll be forthright, her mother said without preamble. She glared up at her daughter, her piercing eyes blazing with righteous indignation. I’m head of this household. You’re a member of it, living under my roof. So you will be marrying Greyson. He will be here for dinner tomorrow, and the two of you will determine a date for sometime within the next three months.

At least Maev didn’t immediately get back to the paperwork on her desk. She sat there, her gaze locked with Tann’s, daring her to say anything besides Yes, Mother.

Tann blinked, stunned. She squinted and shook her head a little as if that would clear it, or at least her ears. She blinked again, opened her mouth then closed it.

After a moment Tann had recovered enough, and gathered her thoughts enough, to say something coherent. She was astounded at how level and free of anger her voice sounded to her own ears as she asked, Mother, I have a fiancé. You know that. Are you telling me that unless I abandon my betrothed and marry Greyson, you do not want me living here any longer?

That is exactly right.

Tann mulled that over for a moment and hoped her roiling emotions weren’t plain to read on her face. She’d always planned on moving out. She just hadn’t planned on only having a day’s notice. Then again, perhaps it was fate’s way of telling her she was taking too long, finding too many excuses not to follow her dream. Perhaps her mother was doing her a favor, even if it wasn’t the one Maev intended. Tann took a deep breath and chose her words very carefully.

All right, Mother. I agree, that’s best. I’ll pack tonight and leave tomorrow. I won’t be here for your dinner.

What? Maev’s voice rose and she half-stood before settling back into the wooden chair. Don’t be absurd. Your childish threats are a waste of time, yours and mine.

Tann had thought she’d feel satisfaction at giving her mother a shock. Instead, she simply felt a quiet assurance that she was doing the right thing. "I’m sorry, Mother. But I’m not joking. You’re right. It’s about time I quit procrastinating.

Exasperated, Maev expelled her breath between clenched teeth and returned her attention to her paperwork. Tann quietly left the office.

Chapter 2

By all that was holy, now she’d done it, Tann thought as she rode her brown mare Larav along the winding country road. She’d really done it this time—definitely no going back now. Wind pulled at her loose brown trousers and tunic and seemed to mock her as it sang through the tall treetops. As if echoed in the gale, her mother’s words still rang in Tann’s ears even two weeks after the fact.

As long as you’re under my roof, you will do as I say.

Since Tann really had had no answer for that, she was no longer under her mother’s roof.

On the entire planet of Mimion, mothers rarely chose their daughters’ spouses—when women married at all—and Tann had refused to accept her mother’s choice for her. If her widowed mother liked him so well, she could marry him herself. Tann admitted to herself she didn’t quite understand why her mother had suddenly fixated on this particular suitor for her daughter who, after all, was already engaged to another man. Although never keeping secret that she thought Tann’s fiancé beneath her station, her mother Maev had never before objected outright.

But her mother had every right to do what she wanted in her own home. So Tann had resolved to move out and make her own home. After all, girls as young as fourteen sometimes set out on their own. A woman ten years older than that, Tann had thought it high time she followed her own dreams—and got her own place to live.

Still, she had made good money working for the Marquis of Deej, and shared a comfortable home with a rather large family. Tann knew she would miss them, but firmly believed she had made the right decision. Plus, Tann wanted her journey to be a safe one so she had taken measures to make it so.

First, Tann went to the Marquis.

She presented her liege with the painting and waited, doing her best to hide that she was holding her breath. When the aristocrat expressed her delight, Tann breathed again, equal parts thrilled and relieved.

Heartened, she gathered her courage and told the noblewoman that she would be leaving the area and formally asked permission to quit working for her. Since she had a large staff, the Marquis wouldn’t miss her at all, Tann knew. As expected, the noblewoman graciously granted her leave, wished her well and asked if there was anything she could do for her.

Not coincidentally, there was. Tann didn’t want to carry much coin with her. Not only would it be heavy, but it would also make her a prime target for thieves. So she asked the noblewoman if she could give her most of the money in exchange for a letter of credit.

When Tann wanted to use the funds, she could simply get coin for it from any other gentlewoman who would first telepathically verify its authenticity and the identity of its bearer. Again, the Marquis complied.

The second stage of her preparations meant changing the color of her attire. As a member of the semi-telepathic middle class, Tann was entitled to wear muted colors. Most of her wardrobe was navy, hunter green, deep maroons and violets. She packed all her colored garments away, then walked up the lane to her neighbor’s modest cottage.

The young woman, a match for Tann in age and build, opened the door when Tann knocked. Like Tann, Ally worked for the Marquis. Unlike Tann, she worked outside as a groom and horse trainer.

Ally, a commoner, possessed none of the sixth sense, that psychic ability which gave mediators limited telepathy. And mediators’ skills didn’t even approach those of aristocrats, the lower half of nobility who could broadcast over vast distances with ease and could muster enough telekinetic energy to move small objects. Royals, at the pinnacle of the social pyramid, had mental abilities stronger still.

Ally flung her arms around Tann. I can’t believe you’re leaving! It’s a good thing you came over! I would have been so furious if you’d just vanished. Ally gave her friend’s shoulders a shake for emphasis.

Word travels fast, Tann replied, startled by the effusive greeting.

Deej isn’t very big, Ally waved her inside. When are you going?

Today or tomorrow. I’m not sure yet. I actually came to see if you would do me a favor. Tann dropped into her usual chair as Ally sprawled on the sofa.

Like what?

I’d like to buy some clothes from you.

Ally sat up and leaned forward. Why do you want to do that? You’re no peasant, Tann.

Tann gave a crooked smile at the disapproval emanating from her friend. A peasant is exactly what I want to look like. I don’t want anyone to bother me while I’m travelling across country. Someone might jump to the conclusion that I’m wealthy because I’m a mediator. I don’t want to be robbed. Especially for money I don’t have.

So she ended up buying some peasant’s clothing from her former employer’s servant. The dark non-colors—all browns, grays and blacks—would indicate she was a lowly commoner, which meant people would assume she was less likely to be carrying anything worthy of stealing. Before letting Tann leave, Ally demanded her most solemn vow that she would not lose contact with her.

I know I’m no mediator, so I probably won’t be able to psychically hear you. But can you at least tell your sister to give me a message once in a while?

Of course. Tann held the dark outfits over one arm and drifted towards the door. I’d better go talk to Zack if news is really spreading so fast.

Have a safe journey, Tann. Don’t forget your promise.

I’ll keep in touch. Don’t worry.

She went across the street to tell her fiancé Zack what had happened. His face lit up when he saw her, then he looked curious as he invited her in and asked what was wrong.

So she told him what happened with her mother and promised to send for him as soon as she was settled. First he’d been too stunned to speak. He sat as far from Tann as possible on the couch in his mother’s small living room.

Tann, I’m not sure what to say, he stammered. I never thought about leaving Deej. Isn’t this an awfully sudden change? I mean to just leave like this, without any plan or any place to go?

I know it’s not exactly what you expected, she reached out and brushed aside the strand of his ash-blond hair which continually fell across his face. It is risky. That’s why I thought you should wait until I send for you. But it shouldn’t be a complete surprise, Zack. You’ve known all along I’ve wanted to pursue my painting. And I do have a plan.

What plan? Why do you have to go now?

There’s a noblewoman who might be able to help me. That’s what I’m counting on. And I told you why I have to leave now. I can’t live with my mother anymore.

But, Tann…, Zack spread his hands and couldn’t meet her eyes. We’ve never even talked about living somewhere else.

I can’t make a living in Deej as a painter. No one here is interested in buying any paintings. The Marquis doesn’t have any interest in art. Neither do the few mediators around here. And even if the commoners did, they don’t have the money to support a local artist. She tried to take his hands in hers, but he folded them firmly in his lap. She continued as gently as she could, trying to keep her voice steady. You’ve always known I want to be a painter. I thought you realized that that would mean moving someday.

I’m sorry, I guess I never thought about it. You have a good job here. I never really thought you’d leave it. I guess I just thought you’d continue painting in your free time.

With the knot in her chest growing tighter and tighter, Tann stared at him staring at his hands. Finally, she asked, Zack, are you saying you don’t want to marry me if we don’t stay right here?

Their gazes met as he finally looked up. Tann saw her own misery mirrored in his dark blue eyes. Maybe it’s for the best, he suggested, sad but resolute.

Just like that? You don’t even want to wait and see how it works out?

He gave a helpless shrug. I like it here, Tann. My whole family is here. We’ve always lived here. I thought that’s what we would do. I’m sorry, Tann.

Too hurt even for anger, she rested her hands on his. I am, too, Zack. If you have second thoughts, I’ll be keeping in contact with Uncle Gille. Then she wished him well and escaped before she disintegrated into tears.

The departure itself had been relatively calm. She had quietly packed the rest of her things, which consisted only of some