Chapter 6
“Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!…” Cillian quietly heard from the outside and a strange thump beating with the same timing. He slipped out of bed to see out the open window that morning light had just began to brighten the world. Still he heard a most odd sound and went down stairs to investigate. Reaching the front door he found it unlatched and a mild worry seeped into his bones. He pulled his knife out to find the room and everything within as it should be. Still gripping the knife, he opened the silent door and went outside.
To the right, where the sounds came from, he found his daughter peeking around the house with Rhody curled around by her feet. He grinned and snuck up on her as Meeka’s entire focus lay elsewhere. He quickly put a hand over her mouth to stifle the startled scream that resulted. Cillian was swatted on the arm as she turned round to find him chuckling. “Father, that was rude and uncalled for.” She whispered.
“Not from my end.” He retorted, using the same subdued tone. “What’s going on around here and what are you doing up so early?”
She smiled wonderfully and pointed around the house. “Take a look.”
The man of the house looked around the corner to find his guest by the stacks of chopped wood sitting beside the house. Cage had flipped one of the uncut tree trunks that were round enough to encircle ones arms and touch hands, but only just. It stood nearly as tall as Cage and Cillian watched as he punched, elbowed and kicked in odd ways, but was moving so fast in his strikes that it made Cillian realize just how dangerous of a man he is. Cage kept punching and kicking with such controlled ferocity that if every able bodied man in Kote were set against him they’d all lose. How a man so tall could strike so quickly he did not know, but revealed himself to be a capable warrior. Each strike resulted in shards of wood flying in many directions.
Several minutes more passed as Cillian and Meeka watched in amazement for different reasons. For him is was the precision and intense control, but for her it was watching an arousing figure that made her heart race and desire to have him.
After much of the rough pine bark had been nearly stripped from the pummeling and mulched on the ground, Cage began stretching and doing squats to cool down. He then moved towards the barn and pumped the arm of the well to fill a bucket. Cage then began taking off his shorts, but suddenly turned around from hearing a gasp, his pride slapping loudly against his thigh. Not far away stood his hosts. “That isn’t very polite!” He yelled to them, but then shrugged and dumped the frigid bucket of water over his head to rinse off the acquired sweat.
“He has been truly blessed…” Meeka said quietly as a smile crept into a grin at seeing such an enormous manhood. As all girls have been curious, Meeka had seen a few boys out of curiosity, but never had she seen one quite like that. Her features flushed at the mere thought of taking such a lance inside herself.
Cillian groaned and smacked his head. “Meeka, don’t say those kinds of things in front of your father. My own pride and vanity has also taken a blow this morning… Don’t make it worse.” He sighed and made his way over to the guest, but not before telling his mildly obedient daughter to go back inside. She did so, and with a wry smile.
Cage refilled the bucket and washed one last time as Cillian came over. “Good morning.”
“And one to you too.” Cillian returned and leaned up against the barn. “So what was all that about this morning?”
“It is just something I do to start my day. Fighting and working out has always made me feel better, especially when I get stressed. It has become a routine of mine. I know I should have asked to use your firewood, but I didn’t want to wake you like I obviously had.” He smiled as he rinsed out the shorts as well and put them on. “Nothing wakes you up quite like cold water, now does it?” He said and shook his saturated brown hair and finger brushed it back.
“There can be no doubt.” Cillian laughed as he wiped away the droplets Cage’s hair flung in every direction like some dog. “Sleep well?”
“Quite. I didn’t have the first problem, but I did find a snake curled up near your horse for warmth when I got up. I took it out and returned out to the woods.”
“Is she alright? Was she bitten? Was it venomous?” Cillian asked with a twinge of fear as he went inside to check her out
“It was a simple corn snake and no she wasn’t bitten. It just got a little cold and neither were harmed. So, what is on the agenda this morning?”
“We will have our breakfast first. Then you and I shall leave and go to town to get you proper clothes and afterwards I’ll take you to the families.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Cage then pulled the small knife out of his pocket and asked “Do you have a mirror I can possibly use?”
“Sure thing.” Cillian stopped rubbing his horse’s side, stepped outside the stall and entered a door that housed quite a bit of farming equipment, three saddles, tack and feed. Cillian then came out with a square, six inch mirror and waited for a few minutes while Cage shaved off the stubble. Oh how he wished for a real razor, but it seemed like these people haven’t invented all that made life back home so quick and easy. But he had a smooth jaw minutes later and thanked Cillian.
An hour later Meeka came outside to say “Father! Cage! Breakfast is ready!” and Cage noticed she had changed into a different shade of blue dress of a similar design, but this one really emphasized her impressive breasts and liquid blue of her eyes. They and Rhody all followed her inside, but Cage grabbed a few dozen green pine needles fresh from a nearby tree. None asked him why as they all went inside to sit down. Unlike at dinner, they had actual ceramic glasses set out with the bowls and plates from last night. Meeka disappeared into the kitchen as the two men sat down as they had last night.
Tiffa came out first with a whistling, old fashion, cast iron teakettle. “Cage, we usually have tea with our breakfast. Would you like that?”
“Perhaps we aren’t so different after all…” He smiled as he held up the pine needles. “I like hot tea with my breakfast as well. But I prefer to steep pine needles since they taste great and are packed with Vitamin C.”
She blinked rapidly. “What is Vitamin See?”
“First let me ask, I see many medicinal herbs growing all around your home. Are you some kind of doctor, nurse, medical professional or healer of some kind?”
“I’m a healer.” She admitted hesitantly, unsure of all the words he uses.
“Do you know about scurvy? A disease that results in poor diet?”
“I have treated scurvy many times before. Usually all I need is lemon or oranges for treatment.”
“But those fruits don’t grow at all times and I bet they don’t preserve well?” She nodded with more enthusiasm. “The vitamins that are in those fruits are also in these needles, but are more concentrated. It isn’t advised you eat them, but in tea it makes for fast absorption and treatment.”
“This land you come from, are you a healer there as well?”
“Where I am from I have learned many, many things. Perhaps if my journey brings me back here someday I’ll teach you so many ways to heal injuries you’ll be able to save many more lives.”
“That would be wonderful.” Her blue eyes twinkled with interest.
She poured a steaming glass of water and watched as he steeped the needles as she also poured three more glasses and sat a cup of dried leaves in the center of the table. Cillian took a scoop and brewed his tea.
Meeka then entered with a laden tray of food and sat it beside her curious mother. She then said “I remembered what you said last night about what you eat and don’t and I’ve cooked breakfast accordingly. We have scrambled eggs, biscuits, steamed carrots and raspberries. And for you, Father, I cooked up some sausages from last night.”
“Excellent!” both men exclaimed and made the room laugh.
Towards the end of the filling and delicious breakfast Tiffa curiously asked “Cage, do you mind if I try that pine needle tea you made?”
“Not at all. It is best for a healer to under
stand by personal experience.” And he passed over the quarter amount that remained in the cup without any problem since he finished.
Tiffa first tested the aroma to find it did smell pleasant and have a fine citrus scent. She then tasted it and opened her eyes wide at the clean and heady flavors that tingled her tongue. She took another sip and nodded to personal thoughts. “Why wasn’t I taught this?... Cage, when the next dietary problem arises I’ll try this and if it works, which I have little doubt, I’ll gladly sit down and learn anything you have to offer.” Meeka then asked to try it and also seemed to enjoy it.
“Be careful you don’t treat diarrhea with that tea, it will only make matters worse. Use blueberries and raw garlic cloves as treatment for cases like that and make sure they drink plenty of fresh water to rehydrate what they lost.”
“I know about blueberries, but not garlic. The patients might not like bad breath.”
“I think they might prefer it to running to the privy all day and hope they don’t miss the hole for the seconds it takes to drop their pants.” His wry smile made the whole room laugh at the imagery.
Cillian said “Though I do not like such talk at the table I cannot help but imagine some poor soul indisposed in the very moment we are discussing a way to help him.” At that moment, under the table, Rhody released the loudest intestinal discharge of gas Cage had ever heard from a dog and it got another round of laughs.
“Think we should clear the room?” Cage asked pointing at what waited beneath the table.
Cillian shook his head. “For all his bad habits, his one benefit is he doesn’t stink up the place like old Menat.”
Tiffa then gagged in remembrance. “Don’t remind me of that foul animal. He makes a room full of hogs smell like flowers.”
“Ready?” Cillian asked as the table was cleared.
“Sure.” Cage admitted. “Good bye Tiffa and you too Meeka.” They both waved back.
It didn’t take long for Cillian to mount up and Cage to start a leisurely jog. About a mile from the house Cage heard the mayor sighing every few seconds. “Out with it, Cillian. All morning you’ve been looking at me with a question on your mind. Actually you seem to treat me with kid gloves ever since you brought me to your place. I’m not going to hurt you or your family if you need to ask me a question. We are alone so get it off your chest.”
Cillian pulled on the reigns to come to a stop and Cage looked up at the man. “Cage, I must ask you a very serious question and I need the truth. Are you a mage?”
“First, what exactly is a mage?”
“A person capable of using magic. It is a general way to categorize someone with magical abilities. Meeka’s curse makes her a mage, but involuntarily. Can you use magic freely.”
“Then I am a mage. Is there a reason why you want to know?”
Cillian swallowed thickly and a wild look came into his eyes. “Does Meeka have any idea?”
“Don’t think so. I haven’t given her any indication nor does she look at me in suspicion as you do.”
He became a bit more relaxed in the saddle. “Then may I ask, do you know how to remove the curse from her? Can you do anything?”
Cage began to scratch his head. “Honestly I don’t have any idea on what has been done to her. I’ve just recently learned I can do magic in the past few months and I can only do small things…”
“Like what?”
Cage looked around to see the road clear. He then looked to the ground and opened his hand to say “Pebble!” and both watched the rough pebble jump from several feet away into Cage’s palm. He cocked his arm back, said “Bullet.” And threw the projectile faster than he could humanly throw and watched it burrow deeply into a tree. “Lightshow!” he then said and Cillian urged the mare back till he realized the orb simply flashed a multitude of colors. “And the last thing I’ve learned to do is create an illusion. Don’t freak out with what you’re about to see.” He waited for Cillian to nod and calm before spelling out “Create an exact mirror duplicate of Cillian and the mare without any distortions.” And an image rippled together in the exact form of the opposite image of them. Cillian’s eyes bulged till he realized nothing was wrong and as he moved so too did the image. Every aspect was exact, without any superficial flaws. He pulled the reigns and got closer and tried to touch, but hesitated and asked “Is it safe for me to touch it?”
“It isn’t real so I doubt you’ll feel anything.”
He went to touch, but his fingers went right through the ones reaching back. He then admitted “It is disorientating to see something so real, but not feel anything.”
With a thought the image vanished, but Cage only showed his magic as a test and learned something. Cillian, and most likely other people who cannot use magic, couldn’t even feel him using the skill like he felt another source when being led to the gauntlets and boots. But using the magic this time made him slightly lightheaded for a few moments. Cillian was in his own thoughts and it gave Cage the time he needed to recover. Eventually he said “Since these are the spells I know at the moment, I can do nothing for Meeka. If I could I would for she truly wants to live her life as a woman should have the right, but I’m learning what I can and cannot do. I keep experimenting, but what would really expedite my progress would be a manual or preferably a teacher who is also a mage. But if I knew someone like that I could simply ask them to see if it would be even feasible to remove Meeka’s freezing kiss.”
Cillian sighed. “Then don’t bother. After Meeka became cursed I had watched Tiffa suffer long enough. As men, we cannot understand the maternal bond, but when Tiffa lost the closeness to feed our daughter or even kiss her I broke down and tried to defy her fate and sought the help of the Magical Council and requested someone come and remove the curse placed upon her. Someone did come several seasons later, but he said he had never even heard of a spell that had been somehow woven directly into her very spirit. He used a lot of jargon I couldn’t possibly comprehend, but if he didn’t even know where to begin I doubt anyone can help, but I had to ask.”
“I understand, but can you tell me who did it? If I find the caster then whoever they are might have a way to undo what happened.”
This time the older man shook his head and gently started the horse in a walk. “I cannot. He spelled my whole family to protect his identity. But I doubt he’s alive from what I saw back then. Not even a mage can live through that…”
“Alright! But Cillian, I promise if I ever come across something that will help I’ll come back and see it done. You and your family have been very kind and I always return my favors.”
“Much appreciated, Cage. By the way, last night, you say you don’t know our exchange rate or monetary policy, where you come from, how is it different?”
“Back home, it is a mind-numbing process to explain. These days they use numbers as currency and can make money in many different ways or a person has a card that can pay for things at a shop, but the preferred method of exchange is with a paper-like object we call dollars. Printed on the paper is how much the paper can be used to buy things. The higher the number on the paper the greater amount or object’s goods you can afford and for smaller currency we have, normally, four different coins. Don’t even get me started on all the bogus and bullshit taxes I was forced to live by. For me to teach you how currency works where I’m from will take months or even years, even then it will get more confusing since it seems technology is lacking here.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
Cage grinned brilliantly. “Not in the slightest. Honestly, I like it here much more. There are some thing I miss, but the simplicity and lack of development is what I prefer. There is so much destruction and heartache that I would rather remain here till the end of my days. Back there a person’s word doesn’t mean even the dirt beneath our feet. When I said I gave my word last night, you relaxed, if only slightly. If people’s words actually mean something here I’ll be content, but unlike you I’ve been burned far too many times
to ever fully trust another’s word. The past few hours have proven you are true to what you say, but I’m still keeping a measured pace from you if you haven’t noticed. You are never within arm’s reach to use your knife effectively and truly cause me harm.”
Cillian burst into laughter. “If you don’t cause my family or people harm you don’t have need to fear my blade.”
“If that is the price, you’ll never need to fear my fist or magic.”
“Then we are agreed?” And Cage nodded with a “We are.” and they shook hands to finalize the agreement.
“I have another question, Cillian. How did you suspect I was a mage?”
“That strange symbol on your back mostly. It is the most perfect tattoo I’ve ever seen and it is said that mages have exquisite and detailed markings such as yours. Also it seems you do not take off your long armguards or boots and last night when I felt your arm it felt like skin, but Rhody’s teeth didn’t even pierce it.”
“Hmm.” He grunted and said “Thanks for the talk, I’ve learned a few things like how magic can be used to silence people without the need to kill them or how people without magic can be cursed into using it.”
“But from all I’ve been able to learn, Cage, is that people might refer to Meeka as a mage, but she is actually classified as a magician, a person who can use magic, but cannot do it originally by themselves. Magicians get their limited powers from actual mages. That is all I know. If I knew anything about magic I would tell you, but since it will do nothing for we common people, the Magical Council doesn’t leave much for common knowledge.”
“Interesting.”
Ten silent minutes of walking ended as Cillian said “Back to my earlier subject, before we clearly diverted to another, I wanted to explain how money here works. We only have three coins so it is easy to understand. Both Vlara and Emroc have almost identical methods regarding money…”
“What is a Vlara and Emroc?” Cage wondered and Cillian gave him a deeply confused expression, but didn’t hold a grudge when he understood Cage wasn’t being flippant. “Vlara is the name of the land we are in and Emroc lays on the other side of the Jamma Ocean. Looks like you might need a map as well before you end up lost if you still intend to wander about.”
“That is just what I need actually.”
“Then after getting you suitable attire and speak to the families I’ll tell you where to go. Now, before we lose our place again, let me explain our money. The three coins are copper, silver and gold. Copper and silver are roughly the same size as you well know, but gold is half the size, but of similar thickness. One copper will usually get a meal and if you’re lucky, a drink. Ten copper is equal to a silver, and ten of those equal to one gold. Most farmers make three or four gold each year, but a merchant makes thrice the number in gold if he is skilled enough. The inn here in Kote charges two coppers for a filling meal and two for every night you decide to stay. Normally a good horse is worth four or five silvers and clothes run three to eight coppers depending on what you intend to buy. I believe you will have much less trouble learning about our ways of business than I were to learn your ways. Lastly, the king is fair and taxes us twelve percent of whatever we make. It is so fair, most don’t bother with falsifying their annual income. There are others who try, but if they are caught they are charged fifty percent each year for as long as the culprit lives. And if they are caught a second time they lose all their possessions in an auction and are forced to start all over again.”
“So they aren’t sent directly to prison for laundering?”
“Only if they truly ruined the lives of others. If they do it to themselves it is punishment enough. Quite a few turn to bandits, but Vlara’s military and home guard keep us quite safe.”
Grimly Cage stated “It didn’t protect those girls.”
“Very true, Mage, very true.”
An hour’s walk later Cage saw the town as something different as it came alive in the morning. Many of the men wore long pants and wool shirts, but nearly every woman wore a dress that ranged from new to old, to nearly scandalous to extremely conservative. Some of the younger women wore short skirts and tight shirts. But what is refreshing is to see the older women not scornfully rebuking the younger and more revealing women. Quite a few said ‘Hello Mayor!’ and he would return the shout while impressing Cage for he knew every person’s name. But the biggest spectacle made Cage’s defenses go up as high as possible without appearing to be nervous for nearly every townsperson stopped to look upon him with more interest than he was used to. He thought he felt prepared for today, but found out quick he wasn’t. Many of the younger women licked their lips, walked with more sway in their hips, batted their eyes and gave off many more subtle signals that said they were very interested to get to know him. He didn’t give any form of invitation or even look for long at them. Cage just walked on, memorizing the lay of everything and any potential threats.
He counted twenty large men carrying swords, eleven with well used bows, crossbows and arrows. Most men carried a knife and displayed it as a warning, but observation told that less than half knew how to use it or wouldn’t be one to stay for a fight. Women carried baskets and only a few walked alone. Those that did looked sure enough to handle themselves. It seemed in this world you had to work hard and be fit, otherwise someone will take advantage.
Over nearly all entrances of businesses were simple signs depicting their profession, carved into wood. An anvil was apt for Cage heard the loud ringing of steel being beaten into steel. A bread sign came into view, as well as the sweet smell of baking bread and pastries. There was a sign depicting an overflowing backpack with rope and tools spilling out. And beside the chandlers business displayed a sign of a needle with a loop of thread leading to a spool. “This the place, Cillian?”
“It is. Go ahead on in. I’ll wait out here till you are through.”
A bell above rang as Cage opened the door and came inside to find two women behind a simple wooden counter, hand sewing together material. On one side of the room were varying dresses and on the other were men’s apparel. The store was quite large compared to other buildings in the town, but they needed the extra room since he found an old wooden loom with a spool of yarn being woven by one of the two women. Cage began to wonder how some period technology seemed slightly mismatched, but then again he found himself in a different world. Hearing the sound of the bell, one older woman at the table sewing together fabric looked up to find a customer in obvious need of clothes and smiled as she put the materials down and approached. “Welcome, I’m Millie, how can I help you?”
He smiled pleasantly and watched as her cheeks reddened. “I’m new to these parts. What would you suggest for a man on a journey. I need the clothes to not restrict movement if a fight becomes necessary and woodsy colors are more my style. Greens, browns and black are my preferred colors. I must also ask if you use cotton?”
She smiled again. “Certainly sir, I have just what you are looking for… you are quite taller than our usual customers, but I think we’ll find you something comfortable. If you are traveling, are you looking for spare sets?”
“I am.”
“Come this way.” And she gestured to the men’s section. She began moving through racks of folded cotton pants that had been dyed to the colors he requested and with a professional eye and knowledge of her store and its merchandise, she selected an assortment. She allowed him to try on the shirts and only three fit his build. He also selected two brown pants that were as sturdy and well made as jeans were back home.
He gave over the only silver he’d use and she returned eight coppers. “Have a wonderful day.”
Cage stepped out in a pair of new pants and a dark green shirt. He looked to the bench to find Cillian not where he said he’d be. He found him standing over in the shade of a building across the dirt road. The mayor waved him over and Cage saw the calm seriousness on his expression and the mildly saddened one on the other man’s. “What’s going on, Cillian
?”
He jerked his head and said “This is Paul, the father of one of the girls. He lives near and I caught him just a moment ago.”
“Ah.” Cage said and passed by them both to move towards an empty barrel and dumped the contents onto the flat surface. Paul looked questioningly between the mayor and the tall young man. Cage began counting out three silvers and two copper coins. He originally received nine copper, but the man he killed had twenty four copper previously so he divided the extra copper into even numbers per family. He took the counted coins in one hand and placed the remainder inside the leather pouch. Cage then turned around and held out a clenched fist. “Paul, this is for you. It is your share for the bounty of the man who murdered your daughter.”
The grieving man opened his hands slowly while asking “What is this? The man who killed my girl is dead? Truly?”
Cillian gently gripped the man’s shoulder. “Paul, this is Cage. He brought me that bastard’s head last night and it most certainly was him. I’ll give you more details later in the tavern when I break for the noon meal. Right now I’m acting as guide for the lad and we have a few more stops we need to go.”
Angry tears spilled down his cheeks. “I have only one question to ask about the man who took away my only family. Did he suffer?”
Cage grinned. “I personally made sure of it.”
Out of characteristic, Paul dropped the coins on the ground and embraced Cage, who went rigid and clenched his fist should the man try to move in an awkward situation, such as to draw a hidden knife in his sleeves, he’d hit the ground before even thinking of harming Cage. But he understood the situation and allowed the relieved father to give gratitude for a few brief seconds. He then turned around to find Cillian retrieving the coins and returning them. “I’m sorry for that, young man. Thank you again. If ever you are in need you may stay at my house and eat at my table at any time.”
“That is very kind, but I have other errands to attend.” He smiled in heartfelt relief and watched as Cage departed.
Cillian then said “Now let us go get you some supplies and a map.”
They moved back across the street and entered a chandler’s shop. Inside lay a mismatched room of supplies ranging from seeds to wagon wheels. There didn’t seem to be any order, but it wasn’t unpleasant to look at, nor did it smell as expected as sandalwood permeated the air. From the ceiling hung farm tools, rope, new lanterns and all manner of supplies to deal with nearly everything a person might need. A small man sat behind the counter and said “Well good morning, Mayor. What brings you here today?”
“Hello, Jom. Need to get a few things for Cage here.”
“Certainly, what do you need?”
“A small traveling pack to begin with.” Cage stated. “I’ll also probably need about a hundred feet of thin rope, but strong enough to support a person’s weight with ease and not possibly break if used under normal circumstances. A map would also be great since I’m already lost. Do you also carry salt?” Jom nodded while taking mental notes of the order. “I’ll also need a water bottle, two metal cups and a bowl. Lastly I’ll need travel rations that do not involve meat.”
“That will be easy enough to get together. It’ll be ten copper for it all.” Jom said, but then Cillian cleared his throat meaningfully and Cage noticed a warning eyebrow. “Alright, nine then.” With no more disgruntled sounds Cage dished out the coins and waited while the small man rushed through the store and collected all the supplies in moments. The map was rolled up and placed in a thin wooden cylinder while the water bottle is little more than a carved wooden tube with an threaded lid similar to a large thermos.
Cage slid everything into the bag, threw the lone strap over his shoulder and left. As they began walking down the street again Cage asked “What was all that about?”
“Sometimes you need to be wary when dealing with peddlers for more often than not they will overcharge for their wares. Food sellers are usually more even in what they charge, but chandlers and hawkers usually seek to swindle, if only marginally. Jom charged you little more than the worth of the objects and knew what would happen with me standing in the room.”
“People are people no matter where you go.” Cage commented, but Cillian thought he was being spoken to and added “That has been my assessment as well.”
It didn’t take long for Cillian to mount his horse and for them to travel to the edge of town. Curiosity got the better of Cage and he removed the paper map from the cylinder. “Whoa!” he said in a rush as he took in the map’s features. He looked all over and found the mayor stopped and gazing down with mixed emotions. To explain he said “I just wasn’t expecting a map quite like this. I expected something hand drawn and lacking, but the details are so great I’d swear it was a picture taken from high in the sky.” What he didn’t say was that it was a topographical map even a picture taken from an orbital satellite couldn’t match. The more he looked the more details were revealed. He found the land of Vlara in larger print and across the Jamma Ocean laid Emroc, but to the top of the map said the Laqura Empire. Cage quickly located Kote towards the bottom center of the map, but the island he had lived on for the past few months didn’t have a name. Quickly he scaled the map by the size of the island by how long it took to run from one end to the other. Realization also became clear that the map again wasn’t from Earth for he had been all over and no landmass looked anything like what lay in his hands.
Cillian then said humorously “If you wanted a hand drawn map I can have one made, but it is more accurate to use what is in your clutches. The reason it is so detailed is because it is magically detailed and given at little charge from the Magical Council. They said they used magic to place our land upon paper with more accuracy than traditional methods. I’ve known many travelers who would have gotten in serious danger if not for the map’s clarity to get them out of treacherous terrain. It will come quite in handy.”
When Cage heard it had been magically made he closed his eyes, but could not even sense the slight tingle of magic being used. He decided that it either didn’t take much to make or it didn’t hold the magic after the ink dried.
He put the paper away and left to give the remaining money to the families and they were still sad, but happy the man wasn’t among the living.
Around the noon hour Cage and Cillian returned to town and the mayor said “I must attend to my duties. My beloved and Meeka should be around soon. I believe you should be well enough on your own.”
“Thanks again.” And they separated.
Cage wandered around for several minutes, learning about a different way of life. He had seen Amish people before, but it didn’t seem so idiotic to live as he did now that he stood in the heart of a town that’s main mode of transportation is actual horsepower and instead of using cell phones to talk or text, these people talked face to face. It was quaint and more relaxing to take in.
Fifteen minutes passed before Cage noticed two beautiful riders clopping into town on familiar horses. Meeka noticed him instantly and said something to her mother before altering the direction of her horse in his direction. She smiled and asked “What are you up to?”
“Just watching the interaction and bustle of your little town.”
“After I stable my horse would you like to accompany me?”
“I don’t see a reason not to.”
“Terrific!” She beamed and left before returning a few minutes later carrying a basket in the curve of her arm.
As they began walking together it became impossible not to see the townspeople openly staring right at them and whispering. To break the awkward silence he asked “So where did your mom go today? She just disappeared somewhere.”
“A healer’s work is never done. Mother has taught me the art of healing, but so many are afraid of my curse that I cannot even get close to help or even try to minister to an ailment. Mother delivered a baby two days ago and is checking on the mother and child and afterwards will go to help apply a poultice to a f
armer who cut his leg quite badly with a sharpened scythe.”
“What about you. What are your plans for today?”
“I’m to collect the ingredients you wanted to cook tonight.”
“Alright then, sounds like a plan.”
Cage stayed by her side and they talked pleasantly while completely ignoring the crude staring and whispering. They went to a nearby dairy farm and bought a wheel of cheese before going back around and buying perfectly ripe tomatoes. Meeka also had to buy some meat for Cillian that he’d want to grind into more sausage since she said he hadn’t time to go hunting recently. Cage also noticed how kind and courteous Meeka is to everyone though they look at her with fear and some with scorn, but the oddest was watching the exchange of when she handed over the coppers that none would actually take the coins till she put them on the table so that they never came anywhere near enough to risk touching her.
Cage asked “Is there a place that sells candy?”
“Candy? What is that?”
“Usually candy is small, bite-sized delicacies that are nearly pure sugar and very sweet. I’ve always had a sweet tooth.”
“You must let me try this candy one day, but the only sweet treat I know of are tarts that we can get at the bakery. And I too enjoy sweet things. I also enjoy salty things as well.
“Then you’ll die if I ever make sea-salt ice cream.”
She giggled and he laughed, causing heads to turn. “Let’s go to the bakery then.” Meeka nodded emphatically.
They came out of the local bakery with two blueberry tarts that only cost a copper, but they sat down on a wooden bench under the awning and enjoyed the treat. As he took the last bite Meeka said “You’ve got some escaping jam.” and swiped the runaway sweetness from his chin and ate it, but all he did was grin and shake his head. He chuckled and leaned back saying “That was by far the messiest tart I’ve ever had, but also the most delicious.”
“It takes quite a lot of skill to master eating a tart from here without making a mess.”
“You can say that again.”
Meeka looked at him oddly. “It takes quite a lot of skill to master eating a tart from here without making a mess.”
Cage doubled over and laughed. “No, Meeka, it is just an expression that means I agree wholeheartedly. I didn’t mean for you to repeat yourself.”
“Oh.” And she then giggled enough to make her breasts bounce.
“Excuse us sir, but do you have a moment?” Someone asked.
Cage looked over and saw a pack of young and beautiful women standing not far away. He counted four and they all looked at him with a twinge of fear, but also with a jealous sway to their movements in a subtle way to attract him closer and the setting of their shoulders displayed their breasts to their best advantage. Each young woman appeared to be in their early twenties or late teens, but gave off a conceited feeling when they momentarily glanced at Meeka. He looked over, but didn’t move as he asked “Is there something I might be able to do for you ladies?”
The lead girl with the most beauty, and the one who commanded the others, took a few steps closer and admitted “We rarely get any travelers that come here and aren’t part of a merchant caravan or wear the patrol standards of the military and were wondering if you would like to spend some time with us? We would be much better company.” She added for spite and a small, satisfied grin appeared as Meeka looked down and flushed with indignation.
“How can you judge who the better company is when I’m quite enjoying myself with this pretty little thing?” Meeka tensed, but the other woman’s jaw dropped, as did her friends.
“Sir it would be best to not associate with a murderer.”
“How do you know my hands aren’t stained either?”
That got them looking at each other nervously, but they still didn’t give up. “What you might not realize is she is cursed. She cannot give anything to a man as we can. You will be quite pleased with one of us.” She offered out in the open.
But they weren’t expecting his next reaction. He smiled and lit up like a kid at Christmas when he found the biggest, fastest, loudest and most obnoxious toy that he had always wanted that would piss off every adult for miles around. Cage began to bounce in his seat as he turned and began playfully poking Meeka’s arm. “Wow! You’re cursed! I never met a cursed person. What can you do? Can you turn into a hideous beast and chase rabbits? Can you spit fire every time you fart? Oh, can you shoot lights out of your eyes every time someone says ‘Who’s yo daddy?’ oh I guess that one is a little silly. Wait maybe you grow wings if someone tickles you. Lemme try!” and he wiggled his fingers in Meeka’s ribs and she couldn’t help but laugh and jump away from the suddenness.
“Cage, please stop.” Meeka couldn’t help as another giggle slipped passed her lips. It turned into another lilting laugh as she saw the stricken expression of the others.
The leader then found herself again and this time spoke in a demanding tone “Sir! If you value your life stay away from that Thing!”
Cage suddenly stood and jumped in front of the four women, scaring them in place. A dozen villagers looked upon the situation, as did Cillian as his expression had turned red in anger. Cage then demanded himself to all four “Who the hell do you think you are to tell me to come with you selfish whores? What gives you the right to hurt Meeka’s feelings just because you do not understand what you think you know? She has been nothing short of kind to a stranger and is polite to every person she speaks with. If you were in her place would you want to be called a fucking Thing! Her company will be of more value than a thousand spread leg individuals like yourselves. So don’t you dare think you are better than she! And if you were real women you wouldn’t so openly proposition a stranger just because you are jealous that his attention is upon a beautiful woman who far exceeds your own. Get out of my sight and never talk to me again. And if you even try taking out your biased hatred on Meeka because of your own petty personality, I’ll come back for every one of you and all persons included in any plot. And if I get word she dies within the next few weeks or months I’m coming for you in vengeance. Am I understood?!”
The four began to snivel, which turned into full fledged tears before turning around and fleeing in different directions.
Most spectators stared openly or in pity for the open scolding Cage delivered, but Cillian walked away with a satisfied smile as he continued to do all his duties.
Cage turned around to find Meeka staring with an expression that said she was completely unaware with the situation that occurred and didn’t know what exactly to do. He then asked “Are we done shopping for the day?”
Her wild eyes met his and seemed to relax. She quickly cleared her throat and said “We are.”
“Good. Let’s get out of here. It will take me some time to prepare tonight’s meal.” He then grabbed her basket and his new pack.
Reaching the stalls, the crowd had become nonexistent. Her mind was a constant blur and buzz that wouldn’t calm, but as expected in a small town, word of the confrontation buzzed like wildfire and nearly all of Kote heard. Looks ranged from denial, confusion, upset, quiet anger and even a small amount satisfaction. Some wanted to confront the newcomer till they got a good look and quickly lost the will. As Meeka seemed to run on auto-pilot and saddle her horse Cage eventually asked kindly “Who were those women?”
Meeka eventually finished and sat down on a bale of hay. “They were Jakie, Elan, Main and Yala.”
“Why were they like that?”
She met his calm black eyes as he leaned against a post. “Mostly because that is what they’ve always done. And partly because I once fancied Jackie, the one who spoke to you. Ever since she found out I did she has made every slight and cruel thing possible to make me feel disgusted with myself. But she was once so beautiful I couldn’t not think of her naked for many months.” This didn’t seem to faze Cage in any way. “Don’t you find it odd for me to say such a thing?”
He raised an
eyebrow. “What? That you like guys as well as girls?” She nodded after a brief hesitation while trying to figure him out with no success. “Not one bit. We are who we are and we love the same way. I have no right to tell another that they should love only of the opposite sex. I say if they are happy being gay, good for them. Women are usually more freer in their sexual orientation with finding love of the same and opposite sex. Stunning bisexual women like yourself are highly sought after. Personally, all I can say is to be yourself. If you love both men and women, I suggest you seek out your happiness.”
“And you?”
“Me? I only get aroused by women so I’m completely straight.”
“No, not that. I could tell that much. I’m just wondering if you are the kind of man who would like to have two others in your bed?”
An odd look passed through him and she didn’t miss it, but didn’t know what it meant. “Truthfully, I doubt I’ll ever get the chance again. But yes, I’ve had a threesome before. I like being mostly alone for there are less complications.”
“If not for my curse, would you like me in your bed?” She asked without thinking and blushed, but instantly regretted saying it.
“There is no question as to your beauty or how you can heat a man’s very blood, but it will probably never happen. I might not ever lay with another for as long as I live, but I truly hope that you find love, however it may come. Now saddle up so I can make good on my promise.”
Crestfallen, Meeka saddled and secured the basket on the saddle. Then she laughed as she began to ride down the road and Cage smirked as he looked up questioningly. “I still cannot believe how hard you made me laugh earlier. Do I spit fire when I fart!” She quoted again and pealed out another musical laugh.
Halfway to her house and out where none lived came the hard riding of horses. Hearing the speed at which they hurried Cage and Meeka turned around to find two men charging in their direction. Not wanting to get involved and hoping they would pass on north, Meeka urged her steed over and Cage followed the example.
But as the riders came closer Meeka came to a realization. “Oh no! Cage, those are Elan’s older brothers.”
“One of the girls I told off?” and she nodded. “Which one?”
“The one with black hair, green eyes and wore the yellow dress. What should we do?” She asked with worry.
“Stay here of course.” And he smiled as he remembered exactly which girl.
And that they did. The two horses didn’t take long to swiftly carry their passengers close. Both were quite large and were caked in sweat and dirt like most farmers. They were related by easily distinguishable by familial traits, but both looked upset. They jerked on the reigns and both horses cane to a stop. The slightly older looking one demandingly asked “Are you the one called Cage? The one who accosted our little sister?”
“I am.” Cage stated in complete ease since telling the truth is easier.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself before we beat some manners into you?” The other sneered as both dismounted.
“Only that you boys turn around right now before you do something stupid.”
“You think you can take us both on?” The elder one asked while removing a studded wooden club and approached with obvious intent.
Seeing Cage’s casual confidence, Meeka dismounted and moved to stand at his side. It forced both brothers to stop as they quickly realize who she is. “Gentlemen, please leave our guest alone. No one was harmed in the personal dispute so let it not start.” She said sweetly to avoid a confrontation.
“None were hurt?! That man called her a whore in front of the whole town!” He seethed while further gripping the club.
“If Elan didn’t follow Jackie around like a dog and didn’t object to being part of her proposition to bed me, she wouldn’t have been there or would have walked away before she became involved in something so pathetic. She needs to find better friends or learn to fight for herself. It was her fault to hear the truth. And by the way, she isn’t as innocent as she appears and is in a hurry for an excuse. Her skin and movement gave me the knowledge she’s already pregnant.” Cage said with such nonchalance that it silenced all talk for the moment.
It simply made the brothers furious.
Meeka stepped in front of Cage just as the two were about to step closer. “Who wants a kiss?” She asked with a strange confidence she never believed possible.
In their maddened state they didn’t hear her warning and charged the dozen yards with upraised clubs.
“Meeka, Move!” Cage shouted, but her confidence shattered and fear held her locked in place. The brothers moved faster than Cage initially judged and tried to knock Meeka aside, but was a fraction of a second late.
The older brother brought the studded, three foot club down, aiming to crack Meeka’s skull and bash it in. Cage swiftly kicked Meeka’s left leg, throwing her off balance and drop to the right, but the club came down hard on her shoulder. The joint popped out loudly, but not as loud as her scream of anguish that came next.
“I’m going to enjoy this.” Cage vowed with a grin as he set his sights on the other two that paused when her scream brought them back to reality. He jumped over her and firmly planted his foot in the center of the first brother’s sternum. The man dropped back hard as he took the impact and tried to reclaim the wind that left his lungs. While Cage tried regaining his footing, the other one swung his heavy stick and Cage tried blocking, but didn’t make it in time as it contacted his ribs. The only blessing was it was an odd strike without much power. It didn’t truly matter as the weight alone cracked a rib. But as he tried pulling it back for another strike, Cage snaked his arm around it and kicked the elbow, solidly hitting the extended joint and dislocating it so painfully a scream wasn’t strong enough to voice the newfound agony. Cage dropped the club and punched with enough force to break the man’s nose and have it instantly begin to bleed like a gushing fountain. The pain was too much for him and fainted. “You’re next!” Cage declared as the older brother managed to find his feet. He again swung the club, but for such a heavy weapon it was slow. He brought it down and Cage stepped in and grasped the man’s grip while also slamming the heel of his hand into the shoulder to dislocate it as he had undoubtedly done to Meeka, but Cage wasn’t done yet as he tightened his left handed grip so hard the bones began to break under the force of a once paraplegic who never surrendered. The man dropped, but Cage didn’t let the mangled hand go till he felt satisfied to say “You might never be able to use that hand again, but if it heals it will never be the same. And lastly, tell your sister I’ll not come for her this time because you two didn’t heed my warning. Get out of here before I make your life impossible to recover from. Let this hand forever remind you of the hurt you gave to Meeka, a person who never did you harm.” And he released his grip to watch the elder brother fighting not to cry while holding a lifeless arm. Cage effortlessly threw the unconscious brother over the sweaty steed and tied him down before smacking the horse’s rear to send him on home. The other brother hurried to catch up before something else happens.
Turning around, Cage found Meeka sitting up while trying not to show her misery and failing completely. He rushed over and offered her the strap of his pack. “Bite down on this.” She did without hesitation. He grabbed her arm and said “On the count of three. One.” And popped the arm back in place while she wasn’t fully prepared. A muffled scream and tears slid down her cheeks. He then, as gently as possible, began to feel the bone and stated “It only dislocated. It didn’t fracture or splinter. I know it hurts, but hold it till I can fashion a sling when we get to your house.
When the pain ebbed she spat out the strap, gritted her teeth and had help to stand again. She gasped as he scooped her in his powerful arms and gently placed her in the saddle. He took the reins and led the horse back to her estate where he’d make a sling for her arm.
Rhody whined, sensing his owner’s pain and discomfort. But afterwards Cage watched as s
he went outside and plucked a few medicinal leaves that numbed the pain as she chewed slowly.
After checking one last time, Cage said “Meeka, it would be best for you to get some rest. If you need me just call, I’ll be down in your kitchen.”
She nodded and headed towards the door that hides the stairs, but stopped and turned back around and rushed over to give him a one armed hug. “Thank you. Though I’m in pain, I’m glad for all you did. Are you sure you don’t want to chew on one of these?” She pulled back and offered a fresh leaf.
“The pain from my cracked rib is barely noticeable. Do not worry about me. Get some sleep.” He patted her head and watched her move up the stairs from the dining room. “Time to get started.” He said while rubbing Rhody behind the ear, which sent his tail wagging from the attention.
Cage took the basket into an ancient kitchen, but unlike the disaster he expected, Tiffa kept everything quite clean and orderly. Beside a brick oven and flat stone tabletop sat a small stack of wood. Over on a wall were shelves of bottled and labeled spices. Tiffa, Meeka or whoever does most of the cooking has nearly three dozen dried spices which over half were peppers. A large wooden prepping table had been wiped clean and six cooking knives were sheathed in a block of wood to the side. Also on the opposite wall hung dozens of cast iron cooking bowls, pots and pans. Another door adjoined the kitchen and Cage found it led to a cellar. Knowing he was alone he spoke an orb into being and found the room to be filled with sealed, dry vats of different foods, grains, wheat flour, several bottles of cooking oil, bags of salt and many other supplies. The coldest room was the cellar and it helped retard the spoiling process and someone kept it regularly clean.
Over in a waist high shelf sat several large bowls giving the smell of yeast and Cage found preparing bread. He took two bowls back up and sat them down on the kitchen prep table and went down to retrieve a hand full of salt in a cup, a scoop of evenly fine flour without the dreaded fear of mealworms and lastly four dried treats he didn’t hope to find, portabella mushrooms.
Before even touching the food he washed his hands.
Up in the kitchen Cage put some firewood into the stove and the coals from breakfast came alive with new fuel and reheated the ancient appliance. While it warmed, Cage grabbed a mixing bowl and turned the tomatoes into a pulpy mash, added salt and different seasonings from the rack, just enough to get an adequate taste he remembered. It wasn’t exact, but it came close. He then took the tomato paste and set it on the stove to heat and blend the flavors together. Next he put the dry mushrooms in a large glass of water to rehydrate them. Another bowl heated water and used a cloth to use the scalding water to clean part of the table and let it dry. Using the bowl of rising bread, Cage added salt, two raw eggs and flour to mix by hand.
It felt strange seeing his new hands mixing the contents. The grinning skulls and octagonal, flat diamond eyes also seemed to find it weird, but it made the old process of cooking from scratch new and unique.
Once it reached the correct consistency he took it out of the bowl and threw a handful of flour on the cleaned table and began flattening the bread. It didn’t take long to form a circular shape that would fit on a large, flat pan. He had to cut the bread for it to fit in the largest square pan Tiffa had. He heard the tomato juices simmering and one quick mixing with a spoon was all he needed and he poured half upon the panned breading. He took out the off-white cheese and shredded it before sprinkling it all on the sauced bread and cutting up the hydrated mushrooms before sticking the pan in the oven.
All the while he worked he had also been planning. He knew his earlier actions were justified, but understood the mindset of people like those brothers all too well. The issue wasn’t over yet. He hoped his warning was taken seriously, but had to think of something before things spiraled further out of control. Years of training and battles gave a gut feeling about the basic mindset of people at most first glances. Everyone has a secret they don’t want to display and a personality is shaped by it, but the underlying nature of a person is usually impossible to disguise for long. Random thoughts began forming into a plan, one that made him smile.
Knowing he is alone for the moment, but not wanting to risk anything more than necessary, Cage began to whisper and use magic on a small scale. His idea came to be inside the palm of his hand. He failed several times in creating a specific illusion, altering the words and changing the overall aspect of the idea that took shape. Making the magic so small took nearly nothing out of him, but knew what might happen later. Then another idea surfaced, one that would help.
Just as he thought he finalized the magic he heard Rhody barking at the door incessantly and strained his senses to hear riders approaching. Cage wiped his hands and rushed to the door and commanded “Rhody, sit!” and the deadly animal did as ordered, but the happiness of the dog didn’t go unnoticed and said he knew who came. Cage opened the door to find both Cillian and Tiffa tethering their horses to a post and nearly run towards the house.
Tiffa demanded almost in hysterics “Where is she?!”
“Resting at the moment. I guess you both learned what happened?”
The upset parents stopped in front of him and Rhody go up to visit, but went unacknowledged. Tiffa had a much harder time controlling herself so Cillian spoke. “All we know is Elan’s brothers came into town broken and bloody, screaming in hysterics that you attacked them for no good reason. They said Meeka tried to stop you, but you hurt her like you warned them girls earlier. From what I saw you do this morning I have little doubt you were the one to hurt those boys, but they are known for going further in their stories than the truth originated. But you are new around here and as mayor it is my duty to hear the truth. If it is as they say I’ll have to place you under arrest.”
Cage smiled ironically and shook his head. He then lifted his shirt to show the bruise that had already begun to appear. “I doubt my word means anything, but they are partially right. I did have to kick Meeka,” Both parents narrowed their eyes and Cillian’s hand twitched to reach for his knife. “but only to knock her aside. In doing so I averted the older brother from crushing her skull like an egg, but she wound up getting a dislocated shoulder. I ended up with a cracked rib in carelessness. But if you want to see what I did, come with me.”
“Magic?” Tiffa asked.
“Yes, it is one of the things I learned to do after setting Meeka’s arm. I thought it would help if you didn’t believe me. And if you need to verify what happened, go ask Meeka.”
Tiffa shook her head. “Cage, you and I will talk later, but right now I will see to my child and make sure. Cillian, you go see what he wants to show and we will find the truth. If Cage is lying I want him out of my house!”
“Agreed. Come, Cage. I’ll see what you offer in defense of yourself.”
“Let’s hurry, I cannot leave your supper in the oven for much longer before it burns.”
“Very well.”
Together the men hurried off behind the barn. Hidden from sight, Cage looked to an open piece of ground to say “Cillian, I won’t be able to recreate the sound, but it will give you the idea of what I saw.” He then focused and said “Recreate an actual representation of the incident three hours ago beginning at the moment the two brothers dismounted.”
Right before Cillian appeared four people and he stepped back out of fear of the unknown, but watched in silence as the four figures stared at each other and opened their mouths “But what are they saying?” he asked.
“I haven’t quite figured out how to make sounds yet. Bare with it and watch.”
And that Cillian did. He watched as his daughter stepped in front of the illusion of Cage and said something, but then saw as he firmly struck his daughter, but didn’t mind it one bit compared to seeing a club come down on her shoulder and the punishment Cage dealt. Cage then ended the spell after sending off the two so that father didn’t see him pop the joint back in place.
Cillian stood there fuming for a minute before s
aying “What you just showed reflects in the tracks I found on the road. Even scuffle and hoof print is exactly as the specters you just showed me. I won’t be able to say you can stay here another night or two till Tiffa and I compare stories, but if it is true I must first give my thanks for punishing them boys for what they did.”
“I need to check on dinner. You should go tend to your family.”
Cillian nodded as he followed the taller man back to the house. Once inside his first saying was “Whatever you are making sure smells delicious.”
“That means it is almost ready.”
A few steps later revealed that both Tiffa and Meeka were sitting at the table discussing what had happened. Without a word or look Cage went inside the kitchen to check on the meal while he listened to the family speak in hushed tones.
“Perfect.” Cage decided as he checked the meal was finished and slid the contents onto a large serving platter and quickly began making a second one, using the scraps of bread to make long, soft sticks to dip into the left over tomato sauce.
Five minutes later he picked up a knife, cut across the warm meal in wedges before picking up the platter and entering the dining room to say “I know it is a little earlier than usual for dinner, but it is best when hot.” Cage sat the platter down to say “All of you go wash your hands real quick while I get the plates.” They looked questioningly at the prepared meal, but did as he said while he brought out only plates, wine glasses, a half empty bottle of wine from the cellar and selected water for himself. By the time he finished, the breadsticks were done and he brought them out with a small bowl of the sauce.
“What is it?” Meeka wondered openly.
“Mushroom Pizza.” Cage chuckled as he saw the hopeless expression on their face.
“How do we eat it without utensils?” Tiffa asked innocently.
“Let me show you.” He leaned across the table and put two slices on his plate, picked one up and ate the glorious meal he so missed. “That is how. It is a food you eat barehanded. Oh and take the breadsticks and dip it in the sauce.
Meeka, with her one good arm, was the first to attempt the meal. She struggled to singlehandedly take a slice without running the stringy cheeses across the table. Her parents watched the look of surprise light in her as she swallowed and looked to Cage and exclaimed “That is amazing! I’m not trying to be mean, but it is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” She took two more slices before her parents could even blink. She began eating with gusto.
Then both Tiffa and Cillian tried their first slice and became just as animated as their daughter. They also gave praise at the first meal they didn’t realize could be made. Tiffa then asked “Can you teach me?” as she swallowed another mouthwatering bite.
“I did you one better. I made a recipe list and put it beside your not too well hidden book. You can try varying the toppings, like adding sausage slices. Try different things and experiment. Like me, everyone has different tastes and preferences so figure out yours.”
“Thank you.” She admitted.
Cage got up and brought in the second pizza and it vanished an hour later.