Harrow

By C. J. Milbrandt

Every spring, Aurelius Harrow returns to the Statuary with tales from his travels. This year, he brings back more than rumors.Tupper Meadowsweet has kept his promise to be brave and do his best. But during the spring when he turns thirteen, Aurelius complicates life in the Statuary. Master Freydolf must rely on his young servant

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olexi
• Release date: Sep 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781631230011

C. J. Milbrandt

C. J. Milbrandt has always believed in miracles, especially small ones. A lifelong bookworm with a love for fairy tales, far-off lands, and fantasy worlds, CJ began spinning adventures of her own on the advice of a dear friend. Her family-friendly stories mingle humor and whimsy with a dash of danger and a touch of magic.

Book preview

GALLERIES OF STONE – BOOK 2

Harrow

C. J. MILBRANDT

Galleries of Stone, Book 2

Harrow

Illustrated Edition, copyright © 2019 by C. J. Milbrandt | CJMilbrandt.com

ISBN: 978-1-63123-001-1

Previous Editions, copyright © 2012, 2014

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.

Illustrator: Hannah Christenson | hannahchristenson.com

Jacket Design: Elza Kinde | bumblebess.com

"Doves abide while eagles soar,

but both build nests."

Table of Contents

A Proper Welcome

Empty Nest

Family Resemblance

Talk of the Town

Bows and Bits

Sun, Wind, and Spice

Easing Through

Best Intentions

Thirteen

Gentle Nature

Making Peace

Last to Know

Staying

Asking for Trouble

A Different Path

Baby Steps

Night and Day

Put Right

Looking to the Future

Well Met

Blades and Bells

Heart of a Lion

Freeloader

To Each Their Own

Known by Name

Beginnings of a Village

Wolves Among Sheep

Future Prospects

Accord

A New Star Shines

CHAPTER ONE

A Proper Welcome

Tupper sprang lightly from rock to rock, descending from the summit at breakneck speeds, a golden lynx kitten close on his heels. He’d been on the lookout for a carriage for days now, and there was no mistaking the team of blood red bays he’d glimpsed through the yellow-green haze of leaf buds tipping the trees on Morven’s southern slope.

His practical mind was already racing through the paltry odds and ends remaining in the pantry after their long winter. Dinner was going to be eggs and biscuits again unless their guest was feeling generous.

The boy hit the cobblestone road with a soft oof and lengthened his stride, racing toward home in order to share the momentous news. He burst through the workshop door, exclaiming, Frey!

Freydolf didn’t react; he was completely caught up detailing a delicate row of feathers on a large brownstone sculpture.

Unsurprised, Tupper placed his hand on the sculptor’s arm. Master Freydolf, did you hear me?

Dark eyes focused on his upturned face. Relaxing into a smile, Morven’s Keeper asked, What’s put stars in your eyes this time, lambkin? Did you finally find what you were so mysteriously looking for the other day?

A secretive smile flitted across the boy’s lips. "Maybe, but that’s for later. Aurelius is back!"

Isn’t he earlier than usual this year?

I think so. Tupper tugged the man’s sleeve. Let’s go see why.

In a hurry? Freydolf’s tone was teasing, but he was already setting aside tools and loosening apron ties.

Yes. I want to get to him first.

The sculptor straightened. Aye, that would be best. Where is Graven?

Minding the chickens.

Right across from the stable. Freydolf hurried into his boots.

Graven will be good, Tupper promised. He only chases if Aurelius runs.

Aye, but old habits die hard. One look, and the brat will bolt.

Tupper nodded. "I could go on ahead … just in case."

With a knowing look, Freydolf waved him on. I’ll fill the trough and throw down some straw for his horses.

Those were his duties, so he balked. Shouldn’t I …?

Nay, lad, his master urged. Aurelius will be ordering you around soon enough. Get your welcome in while you can.

Tupper seized his chance and rushed off, hoping that the merchant’s early arrival meant an extra-long stay. Too excited to wait for the carriage to navigate up the winding road from the quarry, he dove into the woods, skidding down a mossy gully, then dashing through a stand of ferns. Over the last two summers, he’d traipsed all over Morven, so he knew her slopes as well as the contents of his cupboards.

Skirting a blackberry thicket, he paused to check on his little golden shadow. Rimbles sprang playfully through the bracken, keeping up despite her small size. Crouching down, Tupper asked, Do you want a ride?

She batted at his outstretched hand, then darted ahead, ever the curious one.

He followed his daytime guardian, taking care not to let his hair get caught in overhanging branches. His last haircut had been near the end of the previous summer, so his white-blond curls were becoming difficult to manage. He often wondered if he could buck Flox tradition and let his hair grow out as long as Freydolf’s.

His shortcut led out onto a lower bend in the road, and Tupper turned downhill, jogging along as he strained his ears for the sound of hooves on stone. No telltale clip-clop reached him, but when he rounded the next bend, he caught the jingle of harnesses.

To his surprise, the merchant’s high-wheeled carriage was parked on a level stretch of the road. The lead stallion greeted him with a soft nicker, and the other horses’ ears pricked forward. At first, Tupper was afraid Rimbles might spook them, but Aurelius’s team was obviously used to seeing all kinds of odd things.

But something was strange.

The driver’s seat was empty, the reins were draped over its back, and the brake lever was engaged. Tupper frowned in confusion. Where was Aurelius? Had he stopped to give the team a rest?

Without warning, arms wrapped around the boy from behind. Claws prickled against Tupper’s throat, and a very familiar voice drawled, How many times do I have to warn you not to let down your guard, sprat?

I forgot. Tilting his head back just enough to meet his captor’s gaze, he did a terrible job of hiding how happy he was to see the Pred. Welcome back.

Leave it to you to smile in the face of danger, Aurelius groused. Can you call off your ankle-biter. She’s scuffing my boots!

Rimbles, Tupper gently scolded. He’s not hurting me.

The hand at his throat shifted slightly, and the Pred purred, By choice, not by inability.

Since it was true, the boy simply shrugged and changed the subject. Is that a new cloak?

Dark brows arched over golden eyes, which took on a pleased gleam. You noticed!

It’s a pretty color, Tupper explained seriously.

Aurelius released him and stepped back, making a little half-turn while shaking out tiered folds of lustrous fabric. Jeweled daggers glittered in their usual places at the man’s thighs, and fangs flashed as he announced, Aubergine.

Kind of like purple.

With a vaguely disgruntled glance, the man said, Aubergine sounds much more elegant.

"So it is purple?"

A distinctive and distinguished shade of purple. It brings out my eyes.

If you say so.

Folding his arms across his chest, Aurelius commanded, Let’s have a look at you.

Tupper stood a little straighter.

The man prowled around him. You’re all knobby knees and elbows! Are those the longest breeches you own?

Yes.

With a disapproving tsk, Aurelius said, "You’ve clearly outgrown them. Which makes sense since you’re almost big enough to prop an elbow on. He demonstrated, then mussed Tupper’s hair. A little taller, a lot shaggier, and do I detect a bit of a turn in those horns of yours?"

The boy ducked out from under the man’s hand and bashfully boasted, I’m almost thirteen. Flox horns turn then.

Onset of adolescence, and all that, the Pred mused aloud.

Tupper wasn’t sure what he meant, but he nodded anyhow. Freydolf thinks you’re early this year.

A bit, Aurelius conceded. How’s he faring?

This time, the glint was in the Flox’s eye. He could do with a rabbit.

That could be arranged … on two conditions.

Name them, Tupper invited, eager to haggle.

Holding up one finger, Aurelius said, This time around, you will keep that mosaic monstrosity out of the balcony.

The boy winced. I didn’t know he could jump that high.

Aye, full of surprises, that one.

Nodding, Tupper prompted, Second?

With a subtle shift in his expression, Aurelius leaned forward and haughtily replied, "You will welcome me properly, sprat."

Tupper had been hoping the Pred wouldn’t think him too old for such things. With a small bounce, he threw his arms around the tall man’s neck. The Pred returned the embrace, and Tupper squeezed tight, mumbling, Missed you.

Naturally, Aurelius replied, sounding excessively smug.

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Freydolf unhitched the team and worked his way through the bays, releasing them from their harnesses and rubbing them down as he listened to his idle-handed brother-in-law. Aurelius alternated between gossiping about his winter voyage and giving orders.

Gruff and young Mister Meadowsweet will arrive tomorrow morning to unload the carriage and take the team down to greener pastures.

Why didn’t you simply drag them up here today? Freydolf asked. There’s plenty of daylight left.

At that moment, Tupper hopped onto the carriage’s step in order to peek through a window. Aurelius scooped the boy up, saying, No particular reason.

Freydolf eyed the pair with amusement. He suspected that his brother-in-law hadn’t wanted to share the lad with Carden.

Tupper looked rather silly cradled in the Pred’s arms, for his face was quickly losing the cherubic roundness of childhood. But the lad leaned contentedly against Aurelius’s shoulder, not in the least perturbed by the manhandling. They’d definitely missed each other, so Frey held his peace.

Aurelius peered down his nose at his docile burden. You give up too easily.

Yes, Tupper agreed.

Freydolf snorted. Don’t underestimate the lad. You’ve played into his hands.

Scrutinizing the boy, Aurelius said, Be that as it may, I can still use this to my advantage. Tupper shall be my talisman against gaudy beasts with ready fangs!

Unable to resist, Freydolf countered, "You are a gaudy beast!"

With fangs, Tupper helpfully added.

Pulling the lad more comfortably into the crook of his arm, Aurelius shot a sour look at the Keeper. You’re still rather puny, sprat. Does Frey feed you enough?

I do the cooking, Tupper reminded. Without a trace of artifice, he smoothly added, I’ll eat enough tonight if you hunt for us.

Aye. Heaving a sigh, Aurelius announced, I have news.

Freydolf caught the change in mood and slowly straightened. Something must have happened to put such an odd expression on his face. Go on.

It sounds worse than it is.

Bad news, then?

Nay. Pursing his lips, Aurelius warned, "Don’t laugh."

Freydolf relaxed, for if the man found his news embarrassing, it was probably something silly that he’d blown out of proportion. No promises. What’s happened?

Various emotions flicked across Aurelius’s face before settling on what could only be called bewilderment. I’m a grandfather.

To Aurelius’s relief, Frey didn’t laugh; indeed, he looked equally stunned.

Ulrica’s a grandmother? he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Only Tupper was unfazed by this world-tilting revelation. Patting the heavily embroidered vest against which he leaned, he said, That’s really good, Aurelius! Do you have a grandson or a granddaughter?

A son. Shaking his head, he corrected, My eldest son has a son.

The young Flox nodded and said, I’m an uncle again … probably. Carden’s Melina was due mid-winter.

"Aye, I’m an uncle dozens of times over, but this."

Tupper studied his face. You’re not happy?

Nay, it’s not that, sighed the man. It just makes me sound so deucedly old!

Will you grow a beard now? Tupper inquired. You’re allowed.

Aurelius stared blankly at the boy for several moments, then muttered, Perish the thought!

Chuckling, Freydolf explained, "Flox men shave the hair from their chins until the birth of their first grandchild. It’s one of their rites of passage. And lambkin, Pred don’t have beards."

You’re hairy everywhere else. Giving Aurelius’s smooth cheek a gentle pat, Tupper said, This makes you look too young to be a grandfather!

Aye! The man’s eyes widened, then took on a joyous shine. Aye, that’s exactly right, sprat!

Nodding wisely, Tupper went on, Just like it can be hard to tell if you’re a man.

Brows slowly rising, the merchant exclaimed, You’d have to be an imbecile to call my masculinity into question! Voice deepening demonstratively, he waved a jewel-bedizened hand, his ruffled cuffs fluttering as he growled, I’m incensed! I’m insulted! I’m incontestably male!

Tupper made a soothing gesture and explained, "Farley overheard Aggie asking mother whether to call Freydolf uncle or auntie, and he tattled to me. I explained that it wasn’t a Pred’s fault, so it’s okay."

Aurelius was even more indignant, but then it dawned on him. Swearing under his breath, he demanded, Is this about horns?

Aye, it seems we’re pitied for our lack, Freydolf relayed.

Preposterous! Aurelius gave one of Tupper’s a flick with his claw. These will not make a man of you.

The boy’s eyes grew thoughtful, and he finally nodded in agreement. But you’re a grandfather because you’re a father. That’s just how it works.

Recalling his second—and equally mind-bending—piece of news, Aurelius shot his brother-in-law a wary glance and cleared his throat. Speaking of fatherhood ….

CHAPTER TWO

Empty Nest

Our youngest boy is leaving home, apprenticing out to one of his uncles in the Harrow shipyard, Aurelius began. He sets sail in a fortnight.

Freydolf frowned. You should have delayed your visit until afterward!

I’m curtailing it instead, the merchant replied, setting Tupper down. At the boy’s confused expression, Aurelius put things more simply. I can’t stay long.

Too bad, the lad murmured, crestfallen.

I wasn’t finished, sprat. There’s more to it. Aurelius looked to his brother-in-law. I came early to warn you. That and to deliver the stones, of course. They take up all the space I’ll be needing for luggage.

Luggage, Freydolf echoed, not following.

I shall return in a month’s time with Ulrica.

Don’t you usually spend summers on Last Continent?

"Aye, we have a nice place up there, but Ulrica wishes to meet your lambkin. Aurelius smirked at the lad. For that and … well, for other reasons, her mind’s made up. Rather than journey abroad, we’ll be spending our summer in the interior. How do you feel about long-term guests, Frey?"

You’re welcome, of course. What’s it been—ten years?

Twelve.

Tupper’s fidgeting escalated until he was fairly dancing with excitement. He finally burst out, You’re going to live here?

Neatly surmised. Aurelius somehow hid his smile. As always, you manage to find the crux of a matter.

All summer? the boy checked.

Aurelius haughtily warned, Your workload will undoubtedly triple for the duration.

I don’t mind. I’ll work hard. Hurrying to his master’s side, Tupper pulled his arm, urgently whispering, Frey!

The man knelt to better meet the lad’s earnest gaze. Aye, lambkin?

Aren’t you glad?

To have my bossy sister and bratty brother descend upon my humble home for an entire season? he deadpanned.

Tupper tentatively answered, Yes?

Roughing up the boy’s long curls, he admitted, I’m looking forward to it at least half as much as you.

So, lots?

Freydolf grinned. Aye. Lots.

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Once the horses were settled into their stalls, Aurelius sauntered out of the stable only to quick-step back inside. Slipping around behind the others, he graciously invited, After you.

Tupper nodded and hurried to where a huge tiger crouched beside the hitching posts, tail twitching. Reaching up to scratch Graven under his chin, he sternly ordered, Be nice.

The statue’s gaze never wavered from Aurelius, who glared with ill-concealed hostility from over Freydolf’s broad shoulder. The merchant grumbled, I’ll acknowledge that the beast’s manners have improved since becoming attached to the boy, but he still brandishes his fangs at me.

Yours are in plain sight, as well, Frey blandly pointed out. Come on, I’ll guard you against your nemesis until we can stash you in the balcony.

Stashed! scoffed Aurelius. I think not!

He’s going to hunt, Tupper piped up, already sitting astride the tiger. I’ll keep Graven with me while Aurelius chases rabbits. Otherwise, Graven might chase Aurelius.

Freydolf grunted his acknowledgment. "Shall we? This trunk is heavy."

Aurelius held his ground until the tiger bounded off in the direction of the workshop, Tupper bent low over his neck. Falling in step beside the sculptor, Aurelius casually remarked, You’re looking well, Frey.

"I have no complaints … save your baffling need to over-pack. What’s in this? Adjusting his grip, he optimistically guessed, Rocks?"

Books, mostly, said Aurelius. I thought they might interest that boy of yours.

You spoil him.

Aurelius slyly retorted, And he spoils you.

Freydolf wasn’t sure he could successfully argue that point, so he only said, Could you at least open the door for me?

Aurelius breezed through first and exclaimed, What’s this?

Leaving the trunk in a corner, Freydolf joined his agent, who circled his current sculpture. Unsure why the other man seemed so indignant, Frey answered, It’s the griffin we discussed last autumn. Why? Is something wrong?

Aye! It’s nearly finished.

And?

This block of brownstone was meant to keep you busy for an entire year. Golden eyes narrowed. You’re getting faster.

Perhaps. With an easy grin, he suggested, Maybe you should start bringing me more rocks.

Idiot!

A little hurt, Freydolf countered, I like to stay busy. What’s wrong with bringing in more work?

Aurelius’s hands fluttered in frustration. Think about it!

About what?

Happier, healthier, cleaner, faster—Tupper’s mothering has done wonders for you. You’re in your prime, Frey. It’s time!

He shook his head in consternation. "For what?"

With a longsuffering sigh, Aurelius said, You should start your masterpiece.

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Aurelius enjoyed watching Freydolf and Tupper communicate, in part because they made such an unlikely pair. The big, rangy sculptor may not have been much of a Pred, but Frey certainly looked the part. The boy seemed little more than a will-o’-the-wisp by comparison, but Aurelius wasn’t fooled. Frey’s life revolved around the boy, and the servant unobtrusively imposed structure on his master, whose oft erratic lifestyle had long been a source of worry.

As Aurelius prepared for his hunt by shedding finery in the balcony, he spied on the two of them, unabashedly eavesdropping.

Where will you be?

Between fires, Tupper replied with a shrug. Aurelius will want his bath, and the kitchen embers need to be ready for roasting.

Do you need help?

No.

Frey’s face fell. What should I do?

Tupper calmly pointed out, You have a stone waiting.

The sculptor placed his hand on the griffin’s back, but he didn’t reach for his tools. I’d rather do something different. Isn’t there some way I can lend a hand?

With a soft snort, Aurelius wondered if his brother-in-law understood that his servant was probably only doing what he always did—tending fires, hauling water, cooking meals. He found a strange satisfaction in seeing Frey taking such things for granted.

About time, Aurelius muttered under his breath. It was deucedly unfair that someone with a Keeper’s prestige had lived for so long without any creature comforts.

After considerable pause for thought, Tupper said, There’s a piece of starstone I was saving. Maybe it wants to be your new grand-nephew’s first guardian?

The sculptor’s eyes took on a shine. How big a piece?

Fist, Tupper replied, crossing to a small chest beside his bed.

Freydolf trailed after him. Yours or mine?

Yours. Producing a white stone, he held it out. See? It’s good.

What a beauty. Freydolf’s tone as gentle was as his expression.

Aurelius almost laughed as the Keeper succumbed to the blissful absorption that came whenever he handled a new stone. Frey was always bragging about Tupper’s knack for picking, and the lad’s affinity for stellar finds must still be running true.

With each passing season, the boy grew closer to Frey, and Aurelius wholeheartedly approved of the respectful firmness with which Tupper managed both the man and his household.

Graven and I are going down to the well, the young Flox announced.

Freydolf hummed distractedly, for he’d wandered over to one of the worktables. His plans for the starstone were already in the sketching phase.

Looking Aurelius’s way, Tupper said, At least four rabbits, please. He barely ate any lunch.

Caught, he executed a short bow, lending a little dignity to his indiscretion. Aye, sprat. I’ll do my part.

The lad nodded and ushered Graven out.

Aurelius gathered his hair, twisting it into a knot as he pondered the subtle sway Tupper held. It was high time the lad learned a few things about Keepers and the duty they owed to their mountain. If Tupper took it into his head that Freydolf needed to produce a masterpiece, it might actually get done. Testing the edge of one of his blades, Aurelius muttered, Aye, sprat. I’ll do my part, and you’ll do yours.

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Two baths in one day? Freydolf slid into steaming water. Should I accuse you of undue extravagance?

The first was much too rushed to count. Selecting a slender bottle from a nearby niche, Aurelius crossed to the sunken tub and poured a generous amount of bath foam into the steaming water. You didn’t even come down to keep me company!

Knowing he’d been a poor host by Pred standards, Frey dipped his head apologetically. There was this dainty bit of starstone, and before I knew it, Tupper was calling me to the table.

Given the circumstances, I shall graciously overlook your rudeness. Aurelius undid the long row of tiny buttons decorating the front of the fitted coat he’d worn to dinner, draping it over Brand’s arm and murmuring, Thank you, my good man.

The red stone warrior smiled pleasantly, but Freydolf grumbled, "He isn’t your valet."

From what I’ve seen, he may as well be Tupper’s, Aurelius remarked offhandedly. How many statues does the sprat have trailing after him these days?

Counting Brand? All of them, the Keeper replied. I’m quite certain he’s acquainted with more of Morven’s statues than I am.

Stands to reason. The merchant lowered himself into the bath with a blissful expression, then swished his hands around to encourage more bubbles. He has time on his hands. Speaking of the boy, will he be joining us?

Aye, he’ll be here.

"Nay, he’ll be there, Aurelius corrected, waggling long fingers in the direction of the basket-making station in the corner of the room. Shy as ever."

There’s nothing wrong with Flox modesty, Freydolf defended, poking at bubbles with the tip of his claw.

Given his upbringing, Tupper’s made a great concession for your sake.

Mine?

Aye, he is, Aurelius agreed, smoothly twisting his brother-in-law’s words. Just then, a soft knock heralded Tupper’s arrival, and the merchant sharply inquired, Did you bring that ridiculous pet?

Only Olexi, the lad promised, lowering his first guardian to the floor. The little ram trotted back and forth, checking the vicinity for anything unusual.

You’re welcome to join us, Aurelius breezily offered.

No, thank you.

The Pred inclined his head, not pushing the issue, but he coaxed, Come a little closer, at least. I’ve been saving some juicy gossip!

Freydolf was reminded that his brother-in-law was as calculating as ever. All that extra bath foam hadn’t been meant for scent … but for sensibilities.

Tupper came to sit at the edge of the tub, his feet dangling into the water. Gossip from where?

I’m not entirely certain, Aurelius slowly admitted. Strange stories have been circulating, and it’s difficult to track down the source. There are too many versions to know which one is true, and some are too wild to be believed!

Freydolf shook his head. Stories about what?

Stones! The closest I could get to firsthand information came from a journeyman sculptor I met on the Songstone Mountain this winter. According to him, three summers ago, the Keeper of the Freshstone Mountain turned away a Grif merchant who was peddling magical stones.

Frey spread his hands wide. Merchants buy and sell stones all the time. We Keepers rely on our agents in part because there are so many who try to pass off dull rocks for the real thing.

Aye, but these stones were strange! It’s said that they’re potent enough, yet no Keeper dares touch them.

Why not? Tupper asked.

Aurelius’s voice dropped to a whisper. According to the rumors, they’re black as pitch!

Freydolf snorted. There are only twelve mountains, and none of them yield black stone.

Holding up one finger, Aurelius solemnly said, "Aye, everyone knows that. Which is why the rumor-mongers have begun to whisper that a thirteenth mountain has been discovered!"

CHAPTER THREE

Family Resemblance

Tupper wasted the first few hours of the next morning muddling over whether or not he was too big to greet his older brother with a hug, but the moment Carden hopped down from Old Gruff’s wagon, he opened his arms invitingly. Since that obviously meant it was all right, the boy rushed to greet Carden in the usual fashion. Half-throttling the man, he exclaimed, You’re here!

Morning, Tupp, Carden warmly replied. Looks like you fared well over winter.

Yes. With an impatient tap of horn against horn, Tupper asked, Another baby?

Another daughter. We named her Yona.

I like it. Is she big already?

Carden shook his head. She’s learned to smile, and she’s been saving one for you, Stepping back, he asked, Will you visit soon?

Soon.

Gruff called out then, and they hurried to help the old man unload Aurelius’s carriage. Tupper was glad to see so many good stones stowed inside, but he was surprised how small most of them were. The others didn’t mind, since the hauling was much easier, but Tupper was worried. These pieces wouldn’t last long at all, and Frey hated having idle hands.

They were nearly finished when the boy recalled another matter that had been weighing on him, and he asked Carden, Can you stay extra today?

What did you have in mind?

I need help moving something from storage.

Master Freydolf can’t manage it?

Tupper quietly explained, It’s for him. A surprise.

Carden looked to Gruff. Is there time for some extra lifting if it’s for a good cause?

The old man tugged at his beard. Tomorrow was your homeward day, anywise. Stay and help your brother, then save some steps by taking the eastern trail into Hayward tomorrow. I’ll manage the team.

Are you sure? The old man waved aside the question and stumped off in the direction of the stables, so Carden turned to his younger brother. Where to, Tupp?

Down, in, over, and along, he answered, gesturing with his hand.

Carden brightened. Inside the Statuary?

Tupper had only taken his eldest brother as far as the storage rooms near the necessary, so he was excited to show Carden more of the Morven’s treasures. With a firm nod, he replied, Into the galleries!

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Of all the Meadowsweet siblings, Tupper was the hardest to describe. He fit in well enough with his looks, for he bore a strong resemblance to their father; however, his personality had always been rather vague. Although no one would have gone so far as to call him weak, Tupper didn’t seem to have any strengths. Not like the rest of his clan.

Carden was known as the reliable one, Addy was industrious, and Ewert was shrewd. Edie was their adventurer, and Rachel was prone to motherly bossing. Farley’s cleverness and curiosity often led him into trouble, and Aggie was their cuddler. In every respect, they outshone Tupper, making him seem dim by comparison.

Carden had often worried over the matter, but his wife Melina gently pointed out that their Tupp wasn’t truly lacking. According to her, the boy was simply well-rounded, borrowing a little of all their various traits. He might not ever stand out, but his versatility would hold him in good stead.

You’re growing up, Carden remarked.

Tupper paused at a turning and rubbed distractedly at the base of one horn. Yes. I’m older.

Do you realize that you’re nearly the same age I was when we lost Father?

His brother’s expression became thoughtful. You seemed bigger.

You were much smaller. No one had expected much from Tupper, but the boy had come into his nubs with surprising ease. Carden doubted any of his other siblings would have taken to the Statuary’s more unusual aspects so quickly or so well.

With a sidelong glance at the fire-bearer walking at his side, Carden asked, How much farther?

A ways. Tupper pointed into the deep darkness ahead as if seeing something Carden couldn’t. The Cavern isn’t far, but then we’ll follow the crystal gallery to its farthest well. That takes longer.

Do you often spend time in this maze?

With a nod, Tupper replied, I’m still learning my way around.

So do you know where all these doors lead?

Homes.

"People lived here?"

His brother’s gaze swung to meet his. I live here.

True, but you don’t live in a tunnel. It’s hard to picture people living in the dark.

They’re nice homes. So saying, he pushed through the nearest door, confidently crossing the dark interior to its far corner. With a whoosh, he pulled aside heavy drapes.

Carden squinted at the sudden brightness as warm sunlight flooded the room. I thought we were underground!

There are windows. Even window boxes.

Studying the deep stone trough in the wide ledge beyond the glass, Carden remarked, Those are more like garden beds.

Yes. The homes on the level below are even larger and have porches.

Larger than this? The young man slowly turned to inspect the living quarters, which were more spacious than his house in Hayward. How long has it been since anyone lived here?

More than two hundred years, Tupper replied, pulling the drapes shut and striding past Brand, who waited patiently just inside the door. These rooms were a home six times.

How can you tell?

Here. Tupper showed him the rows of carvings fanning out on the wall around the door. These show belonging.

Carden touched the intricate patterns, shaking his head in wonderment. That’s a lot of history.

Tupper nodded and continued along the passage.