Michael Manning - The Line of Illeniel

“Just be careful, Dad gave me that,” Dorian said. His father had died the year before, a fact neither of us liked to remember. I had loved Gram Thornbear too.

“When I’m done I doubt you’ll ever have to worry about anyone damaging it again,” I assured him. “Would you mind fetching some water? This will take a while and I’m thirsty already.” He set off to find a pitcher and I got to work. My request was half to get him out of the way so I could get started. I wasn’t sure how he would react.

I took down the papers I had my notes written on, though I had done a lot of enchanting lately the designs were complicated and I didn’t want to make a mistake. This one I had tested once before so I was fairly confident that it would perform as intended. Leaning over the mail I extended a finger and began tracing it along the metal rings; as it went the metal changed color, from dull grey to gold.

Dorian returned with the water, but he didn’t interrupt me since he knew I was concentrating. A long while later I looked up from my work, “Still got that water?”

“Sure. For a thirsty man you took long enough to stop for a drink,” he handed me a cup.

“How long has it been?” I asked.

“You’ve been talking to yourself and stroking my armor for about three hours now. It’ll be getting dark soon,” he replied.

“Damn! I didn’t even realize. I’m sorry Dorian I’ve been poor company.”

“Don’t worry about it, whatever you’re doing must be important. I just hope my mail still works properly.” He was looking at it over my shoulder.

“Well I’m done with the hauberk now, take a look,” I gestured to the table. The mail coat was gleaming. I had removed the gold coloring, which had been a temporary measure to keep from losing track of where I was in the process. The entire coat glimmered now, as though each ring had just been polished while to my eyes patterns of symbols and words still covered it. Dorian wouldn’t be able to see those.

“Well it’s really pretty, but battle isn’t about beauty. Will it still stop a sword?”

“My friend, it will stop everything short of a ballista. It won’t rust and you’ll never need to oil it again,” mentally I hoped that it would improve the smell as well. If you’ve ever been around men wearing chain armor you know what I mean, rust and sweat are not a good combination. “More importantly, it should also prevent the thing I ran into last night from sucking the life out of you.”

A voice came from the doorway, “Aren’t you boys getting hungry?” Penny had returned and she carried a basket. I was pretty sure it held food of some sort.

“In a little while, I still have to finish here.” I motioned toward Dorian’s weapons, his steel cap, and the chain leggings.

“I’m certainly hungry… I haven’t eaten since lunch,” Dorian answered. It was rare for him to miss a meal.

“At least one of you has some sense then. How much longer are you going to be Mort?” She looked at me questioningly. Lately she had been a bit overbearing when it came to making sure I took breaks and ate food.

“Not long, an hour or two.”

“Alright… Dorian if you would be so kind?” She held her arm out and he took it, escorting her into the house like some noble lady. I supposed she soon would be.

I went back to work, starting on the steel cap first. I didn’t think it would take too long and soon I was wrapped up in my task as I lost track of time. I finished the cap and leggings and began working on the sword before Penny returned.

“Mort?”

“Huh?” I looked up; Penny was a bit fuzzy around the edges.

“You need to eat, you can finish this later,” she said this gently but I had a hunch she was just warming up.

“I can’t stop in the middle or I’ll have to start all over. Actually while I’m at it go get your chain shirt. I can do it next.” I had already returned to my work on the sword. She didn’t answer and by the time I looked again she was gone.

A while later I had finished. It was fully dark now but that hadn’t been a problem, I had put several globes of magical light around the shop. I wanted to start on Penny’s chain shirt but she hadn’t brought it back so I went looking for her.

I found her in the house, sitting by the fire. “Where’s your chain shirt?” I asked with a fuzzy expression. You would think I’d have more sense, but I’ve been practicing my stupid.

“Do you know what time it is?” she asked.

What a silly question, I thought, any fool can see that it’s dark. “It’s nighttime,” I replied.

“Mort it’s almost midnight, and you still haven’t eaten. Did you even eat lunch?” She was giving me her best worried expression, but I wasn’t fooled. That’s just how they get you to lower your guard. Then I remembered what I had planned to do.

“Oh! You’re right; I’ve got to get ready. Where’s Dorian? I’ll have to eat while we walk I guess.” My eyes were a bit bleary, probably from lack of food.

Penny got up and taking me by the hand she led me to the table, coaxing me into sitting down. “You’re not going anywhere tonight. You’re tired and hungry, and probably too dumb to do much good out there right now anyway.”

“No I’m…,” I started to reply but she shoved a roll into my open mouth. I might have complained but it was good so I started chewing without thinking. It was all downhill after that… the roll had a conversation with my stomach and the two of them convinced me that they needed a lot more company down there. I made short work of the cold cuts and the rest of the bread. After I had stuffed myself I felt drowsy.

“Thanks honey, I should listen to you more often.” Penny scowled at me. I had broken the first rule of women. Never compliment them when they’re worried or mad. I didn’t let her start on me though. “Where’s Dorian? He can go with me tonight and I’ll do the work on your chain shirt tomorrow.”

“I already told you, you’re not going out tonight. Dorian can stand guard,” she replied, hands on her hips.

I gave her a long look, “If something happens to someone tonight I’m responsible.”

“You’re already responsible for everyone. Things will happen no matter what you do, but going out there like this will only get you killed. Where will those people be then?” Her features softened as she spoke, “Come to bed, Dorian will watch tonight. He’s already patrolling anyway.”

I should have known… they had already conspired against me. “I won’t be able to sleep,” I said petulantly.

Penny leaned over and kissed me. Not one of the chaste kisses I had been getting recently either, these were the sort of kisses that made a fellow wake up and say ‘hello’… nor was I immune to her charms. “Come to bed now and I’ll make it worth your while,” she whispered softly in my ear.

I had no fight left in me so I surrendered and went to bed. I couldn’t figure out why she was no longer worried about waiting till the wedding, but I wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Bad analogy, I wasn’t about to look a… wait never mind, that analogy would have been even more inappropriate. My head was reeling… and the bed seemed incredibly soft after my long day. I decided I really should listen to her more often.

“I’ll be right back, I need to put the food away,” she said, leaving the room. I closed my eyes to wait on her and when she returned a few minutes later I was snoring soundly. “Works every time,” Penny smiled and crawled in beside me. I never even realized I had been cheated till morning came.

Marcus Lancaster stretched lazily, enjoying the touch of satin on his skin. He looked over at his companion, the Lady Eleanor Strickland. She was a lovely girl, with long blond tresses and golden eyes that nearly matched her hair. Talented as well, he thought quietly to himself.