Adventures of a Merchant 3 - Choices by Arcie Emm

7/27/2019 Adventures of a Merchant 3 - Choices by Arcie Emm

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Adventures of a Merchant: Choicesby Arcie Emm

See Prior Adventures of a Merchant:1. The Start2. A Pause in Corels

...being continued...

Greetings once more friends. At the end of my last tale I mentioned thatit was time for me to spend some time in the now and I took my ownadvice. After a stay in Corels to visit family, I continued on to ElladooPost for my first visit in a number of year. As it always does, the visitserved to remind me of who I am, for people who knew you when you wereyoung often continue to see you as you were, as opposed to who you havebecome. Though this can be annoying when making those first steps intoadulthood, it is relaxing when you are comfortable in yourself.

Comfortable as I have become in my skin, it was very relaxing. Allowingme to follow instead of leading, whether it was helping with paper work,assisting in inventory or even taking out a caravan to make the rounds ofthe nearby farmsteads.

Still escape can only last so long, at some point responsibilities will

call you back. For me, that call occurred just over five weeks after Ileft Glanlies. The responsibility, that called, was not one I cherished.The Commission, who besides extracting fees, also expects members toprovide labour. This labour is compensated at the appropriate clerk rate,but usually involves work no contractor would perform at such a sum. Youcan refuse a task, but everyone knew that without a good excuse the nextwork offered would be even worse. Enough refusals and you could lose yourmembership, which usually led to bankruptcy.

I did not have a good excuse, in fact with the project being at NorthFort and my being at Elladoo Post it was completely logical for me to beassigned, no matter my dislike for the task. Thus I found myselftravelling there to examine the books of the fort. And like every other

time I have performed this task, I hated every minute of it. On thepositive side, it made me quite ready to lock myself in a room away fromeverybody.

And that made it easier to write this next episode of my life, in which Ifound myself in the City of Glanlies for the first time.

Now the way that I talk about the place, it would be easy for you toassume that the City of Glanlies is some wondrous place. As beautiful asmarbled Venwick, the capital of the Simolean Kingdom, and as majestic asfar off Newlbourne in the Yasper Mountain range. Yet anybody who has everbeen to the city knows that it is neither. Instead they will comment onhow orderly it is or how clean or even regimented, meanwhile they will be

thinking that the proper term is boring. At least that is what they willthink if they are not of the peninsula, but to those of us who are it'schildren, the city is perfect. Yes it is all those things that otherssee, but that is the way we want it.

The city itself is located in the middle of a plain where the vine andfarming lands are intersected by numerous streams, though most of thewater for the city comes from deep wells. It is built entirely of stonefrom a near-by quarry, which gives each building a solidness, but also alikeness to each other. In fact many of the buildings are the same, long,


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three story structures used either for offices or for apartments. Theonly buildings that stand out as unique are the temples of the Gods andthe manses of the wealthy.

At the centre of the city is Heart Park and spanning out from this centreare rings of buildings. The inner most ring holds the temples andchurches of the eight gods and goddesses whose clergy had participated inmy Chaining in Corels. These temples and the park existed long before therest of the city, having first been built to service the land owners andfarmers of the plain. However, those land owners did not stint, insteadthey poured great wealth into the creation of those temples and soonGlanlies became the spiritual hub of the peninsula, home to the majordeity and seasonal festivals. These festivals soon became the meetingpoints for all the merchant families from across the peninsula and thefour coastal centres who made up the Commission. This continued as thenorm for over a century until the coastal city of Freenjie was raided bya force from Jewel, which resulted in the razing of the old GlanliesTrade Commission headquarters.

After much politicking by the land owners, a decision was finally made tobuild not just a new headquarters, but a new, inland city to serve as thecapital. And so about 200 years before the writing of this tale, aproject was started to implement Chief Architect Reginald Banskine'svision of the perfect capital for the Glanlies Peninsula, more

specifically the Glanlies Trade Commission. And after 14 years (14 years,3 months and 22 days to be exact) the project was complete. Since thenlittle has changed about the city, it had been built to serve a purposeand it does it very well.

Therefore, what I saw when Mistress Elladoo had me step out of thecarriage was little different than what I would have seen at any timesince the birth of the city.

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"It is smaller than I thought," I murmured while looking out at the wallsof no-longer distant Glanlies.

"Aye Dra'e, smaller than any of the port cities, Glanlies has less than20000 citizens. Nor does the Commission allow it to grow, for it wasbuilt with agreements that it would not be competition to towns thatalready existed. Instead it is a place of trade and administration."

"But don't many of the goods we sell come from here? Like the crapBandleau pots and pans?"

"Aye Drake they do, but they are not made here. Instead they come fromfactories found in the towns and villages that dot these plains or fromone of the other cities, even though they are distributed throughGlanlies."

"So, is that what keeps the population down? In order to follow mosttrades, you have to leave Glanlies and go elsewhere?"

"Mostly. But some are drawn to adventure or change and move away on theirown. Such as those who go out to establish outposts on the frontier."Mistress Elladoo added with a smile.

"Then you don't miss Glanlies? You don't regret living out on thefrontier?" I asked, with a familiarity that would have been unheard of


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not too long before.

"There are aspects and people that I miss. But they are outweighed by mylife at the Post, where I feel I make a difference. Honestly I preferlife as Mistress of Elladoo Post to the role of a Deglace lady," sheanswered with equal candor.

"But when I am here, it is the second of those roles that I must play,"she continued. "And I must warn you that being the dutiful daughtercauses me some stress, so please forgive me if I am not myself. However,today I will spare you Esselde Deglace."

"Milady?" I asked in confusion, showing Mary's influence was affectingmore than my appearance..

"Yes, sadly it is back to milady for me. But let us ignore that for amoment while I tell you of my plan. And a plan is needed for I am unsureif my actions in Corels overstepped my authority. Therefore, I think itis best that I go alone to speak to my parents first."

"But it was me who caused the trouble, shouldn't I be there to take theblame?"

"Bah it was that horrid ensign and those dreadful Furigal people who were

at fault. So don't worry about me, I am sure my family will be happy tosee me and won't be overly harsh. I also think it would be good idea tolet me fully tell your story before having you meet them; after all, ithas been a rather unbelievable two months."

"Has it been that long?" I murmured in surprise, thinking back to thatfateful meeting with Sandrelessa. It seemed both shorter and longer thantwo months. Shorter, for I had tried to convince myself that my state wastemporary and something temporary cannot last for months. But alsolonger, as I had become rather comfortable in my girlish form, no longerdistracted by long hair draping across face or entangled by long skirts.Strange no longer seemed strange, instead it was my past that had begunto seem unreal.

"Aye sweetie, it has been that long."

Standing in momentary silence, we each reflected on what had passed andtried to see what would come with the future. Yet for me, like for most,that vision showed nothing. Therefore, I focused on the present to ask,"Excuse me milady, but what am I to do while you go to your family?"

"The village of Fermere is on this side of the city's West gate. It has anumber of inns used to house visitors to Glanlies, since such buildingsare rare in the city and those that do exist are expensive beyond theirworth. We will put you up in one of those, meanwhile I will head into thecity and prepare my family."

After further assurances from Mistress Elladoo that she would be able tosmooth out anything requiring smoothing out, though with warnings that itmay take a few days, we once more boarded the coach and proceeded toFermere. There, I learned that one of the troopers had been sent ahead tobook rooms at Turin's Scales, an inn that the Deglace regularly used tohouse business partners visiting the Glanlies area. Soon after ourarrival I watched the carriage and its escort continue on the way, thoughI was not alone. The mistress had placed me in Mary's charge and underthe protection of Jimi and Stork.


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I am not sure what the trooper had told the Barton the innkeeper, but hetreated me with more an unexpected degree of respect, calling me damseland treating the others as my retainers. Uncomfortable with his respect,I knew not how to respond. Luckily Mary found it normal and spoke forour party.

In comparison, the other attention I received while passing through anearly empty common room seemed almost normal. Nearly empty, the roomcontained four men at a single table whose attention was drawn in ourdirection, more specifically my direction. It was something that I hadseen on the barge from Elladoo Post, at every inn in which we had spent anight during our trip from Corels and even from some of my captors inCorels. Still it was not yet something to which I had grown accustomed,even if I understood the cause.

I was rather exotic in appearance, tow-headed and pale in a land of darkhair and olive skin. Tall and slender, where voluptuous was the norm. Andat the risk of sounding vain, I had spent enough time looking in a mirrorto recognize that others spoke truth when calling me pretty. All this wasbefore my Chaining, before I was bedecked in silver and sapphire jewelry.It was a given that people noticed me, the degree of their noticedepended upon the individual. These four men were the type who werebrazen in their stares, despite the glowers from my three protectors.

Prior to my misadventures in Corels, such attention would have caused meto shrink away from their gazes, bowing my head and averting my eyes.However, that experience, involving my early self-condemnation, followedby victory over my persecutors, had burned away much of my shame and selfdoubt. So I did not seek to hide nor deny what I had become. Not that Ihad turned into some brazen hussy, casting smoky glances in the directionof any man. It was just that I gave the appearance of not noticing theirlooks.

Once through the common room, the innkeeper led us to a set of rooms. Onewould be shared by the two guardsmen, while Mary and I entered a suite,including an elegantly appointed sitting room, allowing the suite'sinhabitants to host meetings or entertain their own guests. It seemed

rather extravagant, combining this with the innkeeper's manners led me toworry that there must have been some mix up concerning my status.

"How should the innkeeper have treated you Dra'e? A Deglace guardsmanbooks the finest rooms in his inn for our company, which includes Storkand Jimi in their surcoats and myself so obviously a maidservant. Andjust as obvious, the three of us are serving as escort to you, who isyoung, beautiful and bedecked in a fortune of sapphires and silver. Ofcourse he would see you as someone to treat with respect, which is whatMistress Deglace wanted."

"It is?"

"Aye. Better by far for people to see you in this light than to let theirworries run ahead of their sense, as occurred in Corels."

It was hard to argue with the reasoning behind that argument. Much ratherwould I find myself in a lovely suite than in a dingy cell. So I said,"That's makes sense, though I do not know if I will be able to play theproper role."

"No problem Dra'e, that is why Mistress Elladoo asked me to serve as yourgoverness. It will be my job to help you play your part, which will


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require new clothing."

"What's wrong with my clothes?"

Grinning a grin that scared the bejeebers out of me, she replied, "Ohwhat you are wearing is fine for travel, but everybody in the city willfind it strange for a damsel wearing so much jewelry, not to be wearingnewer and prettier dresses."

Thus it was, that later in the day we found ourselves on the way to shopof a Mistress Fulert, Fermere's premier dressmaker. I found myselfconcerned about where this would lead, Mary did tend to treat me as herdress-up doll, and so asked, "Excuse me Mary, but why are we getting me anew dress? It will be a waste of money after I am returned to myself."

"Well Dra'e, we do not know how long it will take for someone at theCollege to determine how to get you back to yourself. Therefore, MistressDeglace feels you should have dresses so that you can better blend in,while you are in the city."

"But doesn't it make more sense to go to a lesser quality dressmaker, onewho will not charge Master prices for temporary garments?"

"Oh I am sure it does," Mary answered, not fooled in the least by my

sudden logic. "But the mistress decided to spoil you until the change."

And that brought an end to the conversation, while proving that words areas malleable as a willow branch, both can be bent or shaped to form. Whatthey become depends upon the crafter's skill, while what is seen or hearddepends upon the audience. Neither Mary nor myself needed to be overlyattentive to understand the words crafted by the other. Mary realizedthat I did not want to go to the dressmakers, while I surmised that myopinion did not matter. Mary would be true to her earlier words, she wasgoing to get me into prettier dresses.

It was with this understanding that the two of us found ourselvesentering Mistress Fulert's shop, having left Jimi and Stork outside.

Inside we were greeted by a young lady, most likely an apprentice, wholet us know that her Mistress was just finishing with another customer.She then guided us to a small fitting room, where we were provided withtea for our wait. Not long after we had sat down the door once moreopened to allow entry of the apprentice and an older lady, likely of anage with Mistress Elladoo. Based upon both her appearance and demeanor Iguessed she was the mistress of the shop. This was proven true when shewelcomed us, "Greeting gentlewomen, how may I assist you today?"

Having been warned earlier to say little, I let Mary take the lead,"Greetings Mistress, my charge is newly come to Glanlies and in need ofproper dress for a maiden of her stature."

"Ah, by the sound of your voice, you are of Glanlies and yet you say yourcharge is not? What type of dress do you seek for her?"

"Actually we have multiple requirements today. Damsel Dra'e will needthree different outfits for her visit to Glanlies. One should be daydress, for normal wear. Secondly, she will need a visiting dress, oneappropriate for a temple or College visit. Lastly she will need a gownappropriate for an evening presentation to the Lord and Lady of theDeglace."


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"The Deglaces," Mistress Fulert mused.

"Aye, Dra'e is in the care of Esselde Deglace who is home visiting herparents."

I saw that the name-dropping had the affect of placing the mistress in abetter frame of mind about us, two scruffians from the North. It was myfirst witness of the magical balm that was an inner ring family's name,names able to soothe the ruffled feathers of any local. Mistress Fulert'ssmile immediately became more welcoming and her eyes more calculating.

"Do you have a particular style in mind for your charge Goodwife?"

"We will have to leave that to you Mistress Fulert, spending so much timein the North I cannot say what is appropriate. Though I do know thatDra'e would like something less drab than is appropriate on thefrontier."

"Very well, I am sure that we can come up with something to please youdamsel. Now if you will disrobe, we can take your measurements."

However, no sooner had the measurements begun then Mistress Fulertnoticed the state of my boots. With my soft sole boots having been lostduring my captivity in Corels and Mistress Elladoo's faire boots being

reserved for special occasions, I once more wore my old boots.Comfortable and useful though they were, they were also ratty from use.With a grimace she stated, more than asked, "You will be after newfootwear?"

"Why yes we are; however, we will have to find a cobbler," Mary answered.

"Fortunately Fermere has a number of skilled cobblers. If you wish, I canhave one of my girls run out to see if one of them is available to assistyou?"

"Thank you. That would be excellent."

With that, Mistress Fulert turned to her apprentice, "Liselle please askSuzanne to run out and check with Master Lestage, since Nicholas knowswhat I like."

Returning to her measurements she quickly finished. Then she and Marybegan a discussion about a colours, cloth, and price. During this I wasdistracted from listening in as Liselle was having me try on a number ofpre-made robes and slippers, which I would need in order to use the inn'sbath house. At least in this selection I was allowed to make thedecision, ending up with a floor length grey one of amazingly soft woolwith matching slippers.

After my choice, I was returned to my dress and we left the dressmaker

with promises of a final fitting two mornings hence. Out on the streetand feeling that my vow of silence was at an end I asked, "Mary, what amI going to end up wearing?"

"Don't worry Dra'e, you will look beautiful."

Well THAT was what I was worried about, yet no matter how much I whinedor begged she would not give me any more information. Finally, as we werearriving at the small cobbler's shop, Mary reminded me that good girlsshould not question their elders. After all the my other indignities that


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I had experienced that day, I quit complaining and settled upon pouting.

We found Master Lestage to be as small as his shop and just asfastidious. Nor was he as impressed by the Deglace name or Mary'sdetermined efforts to describe the styles he was to make. Instead heappeared much more impressed by the fact that we came from MistressFulert's and put an end to Mary's questioning when he said, "I know whatMistress Fulert likes, that is what I make. If you don't want, you goelsewhere."

With poor grace, Mary accepted. Though, on departure, she was much morewilling to share her complaints than she had been to listen to mine. I,in turn, showed the proper way to deal with such complaints wascommiseration, even if my lesson was lost on her. However, her complaintsdid end before we returned to the inn, for she left me in the care of ourtwo guards while she went to perform some errands on her own. Meanwhile,with neither Jimi nor Stork willing to give into my pleas to explore, thethree of us soon found ourselves back at the Scales where they depositedme in the sitting room of my suite. They then headed down to the commonroom while I was forced to find solace in one of the Annals, which wereon a bookshelf.

The rest of the day involving a wonderful meal, a luxurious bath and adeep, long night's sleep placed me in a rather good mood the next

morning. During which I willingly sat while Mary experimented, upon me,with hair tongs heated with boiling water. The tongs' purchase had beenone of her prior day's errands, resulting from the dressmakerrecommending that my hair needed some curl. We were also joined by Storkand Jimi so that the three of them could tell me more of Glanlies and themembers of the Deglace family. This task mainly fell upon Stork whoseobservations were tinged with humour and not nearly as blindingly loyalas Mary's.

"Deglace is actually a Barony in South-Eastern Simolea, which has longbeen ruled by the family from whom our Deglaces sprung. The Glanliesbranch was started by a fellow named Julion, the third son of the Baronwho decided to seek his fame and fortune in the newly colonized port of

Senlil. Now Julion was smarter than your average Simolean noble and wassuccessful even though many considered the colony a failure. Therefore,while most returned home, he stayed and continued to prosper. He was alsofortunate in the heirs he begat, so by the time Glanlies was built thefamily was a power on the peninsula, which continues to this very day.

"Yet they have never been a large family, having been known for marryingchildren off to establish and solidify contacts in the Kingdom. Theirnumbers were even further diminished by plague during the mistress'Great-Grandfather's time. After that plague, the family consolidatedtheir presence in three main areas; their centre is still to be found inGlanlies, but they also maintain a strong presence at their countryestate and in Senlil, for it is wine and shipping that provides the

foundation of their wealth. I tell you all this so you won't feel shortchanged when I describe and you meet only a small number of their herd."

"Teodore Walcom, you will show proper respect towards your employers,"Mary admonished.

"Teodore?" I asked.

"Shh Drake, Teddy doesn't like to be called that," Jimi laughed.


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"Shut your mouth James."

"Be good all of you, Stork please continue with your description.However, you will do well to remember of whom you speak."

"Aye Mary, sorry about that. I will try to hold my tongue in check."

"See that you do."

Stork then spent the next glass, with frequent interruptions from Maryand less frequent from Jimi, identifying the Deglaces who I may meet inGlanlies. Starting with the mistress' parents; Master Dilen who was thehead of the family, having assumed the position three years previouslywhen his father passed away, and Madame Celise who had been born aHalston, which was another of the inner ring families. Then there wereMistress Elladoo's siblings, of whom only Anna her father's heir andJulion the youngest would likely to be in the City. Georges, the secondoldest was in charge of trading the family's wine, outside of thepeninsula and Deanne who had married a business partner's son on themainland were less often at home. Beyond the immediate family was Nilson,Dilen's younger brother and right hand man, and his family. There wasalso Torsen, Dilen and Nilson's uncle, though of an age between the two.Apparently Torsen was a bit of a black-sheep being more interested inadventure than trade, much to Mary's disapproval. Beyond these main

players were a number of cousins, wives, children and chosen who were keyto the overall operation of the family business.

From discussions of the Deglaces we moved onto talking about the familiesof my three guardians, which lead to a significant amount ofembarrassment on my part when I realized how little I knew about thosewho were my friends. I felt particularly bad to learn that Mary'schildren were still in Glanlies and that but for looking after me shewould be visiting them. Finally it was necessary for her to ease my mindwhen she told me that they were all grown up and that she would see themsoon enough. As for Stork and Jimi, they were both from the Deglacecountry estate. Stork came from a large family, while Jimi was an onlychild whose parents had died when he was young after which he had grown

up in the general care of everyone, the Walcoms in particular.

After that we discussed anything that could distract us from our worriesthat no word had come from Mistress Elladoo. All in all it turned out tobe a very interesting day, linking us, one to the other more stronglythan we had been before. Still, when we received a note later thatafternoon from the mistress, saying that all was well, there was ageneral sense of relief. It allowed me to have a nice evening and anothergood sleep in preparation for what may happen on the morrow.

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After two full nights of wondrous sleep I had awoken with the belief that

it would be the day when something happened, that the chapter where Ireturned to myself would begin. However, my morning seemed to push meeven further in the direction my life had recently taken.

First we returned to Master Lestage's shop to pick up my new boots and apair of shoes. The boots were made from the softest leather I had everfelt and dyed a shiny black. Still it was the fit that showed they weremade by a master-craftsman, for they gently hugged my foot and calf whenthe leather laces were tightened. Their grasp was almost magical,promising nary a blister. While the shoes were made of a white-with-blue-


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flower brocade that I guessed would match one of my new dresses. Bothwould have been perfect if not for having heels narrow and tall enoughfor me to almost wrap my hand around. My exasperation at the man wasequal to Mary's two days previous, but so was his pigheadedness. And likewith her, he prevailed against me.

From there we moved onto Mistress Fulert's shop for final fittings.Quickly we found that the height of the heels were expected and soincluded in the length of the skirts. Therefore, after undressing fromdress and shift I soon found myself once more putting on the boots,though over a pair of wondrous, new, silken, knee length stockings heldup by lace covered garters. Once shod, the fittings started, as I triedon the three beautiful dresses. After a few final adjustments were madeby Mistress Fulert, Mary chose the light grey day dress for me to wearout of the shop.

The dress was mostly made of the same cloth from which his new robe hadbeen made. Because of this and its bone stays it was rather form fitting,molding to my torso right up to a lace edged square cut neck and threequarters the way down my arms to end in similar lace. The tight fit evencontinued passed my hips, behind and upper thighs before the skirtswidened to allow steps already shortened by my new boots. I was unsureabout how much the dress showed off my figure, though when I voiced thisconcern Mistress Fulert proudly assured me that such was her goal when

making the dress. Easy for her to say, she did not have to wear the dressor try and laugh off Jimi and Stork's expressions or the stares fromothers. Those stares made me doubt the mistress and Mary's plan to haveme fit in, it also ensured my desire to explore, from two days previous,did not flare up again. No convincing was needed to get me back to theinn this time.

It was as if the Deglaces had someone watching us, for not long after wereturned, there was a knock on our door. At the time Mary had me walkingabout the room getting used to my new boots and skirts, even though theyhad not proved overly difficult on our walk back from the dressmaker'sshop. Moving about my room it came to me that one thing I would miss whenreturned to myself, was how fit this body had proven to be. Even with

garments that confined, I still felt lighter of foot than I had beenwhile clomping about in my pants and shirts.

Guessing the knock was one of the inn's staff, Mary gestured for me tocontinue as she moved to answer the door. Hearing an unrecognized voiceand Mary's respectful welcome, I turned to see a young man in a Deglacesurcoat. A messenger was my first thought, though my second glancemeasured the quality of his clothes and made me doubt my initialimpression.

Inviting the man in, Mary closed the door and gestured for me toapproach, "Milord, may I present Dra'e of Elladoo Post. Dra'e, LordJulion Deglace."

Showing my training had paid off, I immediately sank into a curtsy, asdeep as my new skirts allowed, with a murmured, "Milord."

However, my reaction to his accent was purely instinct. It froze in mycurtsy, not allowing to recognize the smile behind his words, when Isaid, "Nice choice Sister mine."

Fortunately Mary came to my defense and in a voice holding exasperation,she admonished, "Master Julion!"


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"My apologies Mary, and to you Dra'e. Or do you prefer Drake?"

Though Mary was my rock and I knew her preference, this was a moment inwhich to regain some of myself, "Drake Milord, I prefer Drake."

"Very well, Drake it is. Now why don't the three of us take a seat so Ican update on what has happened while you have vacationed here inFermere."

Seated, Julion began to speak, "Before your journey South, Esselde sent aletter briefly explaining what had happened during the attack by Darrelthe Roamer. Good thing she did, for when Stork showed up with hisfanciful story, he was not locked up with the crazy cousins. Therefore,Father willingly sent the troop and requested the assistance of MagisterBewlmon. That done we waited for further word, word that did not reach usuntil Esselde arrived two days ago. Now that was a mistake. Esseldereally should have let us know when things had been resolved in Corels.Mother does not take kindly to worry and when she learned her worry hadbeen needless, she became rather annoyed with Esselde."

Having recently suffered similar rebuke from my mother, for much the samereasons, my sympathies definitely lay with Mistress Elladoo. So I triedto come to her defense, "But none of us thought to send such a message."

"Well it was not for any of you to send the message. It was Esselde whowas in charge and she is the one who knows Mother the best, after allthey are basically the same person."

At this Mary nodded her head, "Aye the madame and the mistress are asalike as two blades of grass."

"The two of them are full of the Halston fire, which is difficult to dealwith, for us plain old Deglaces. And when one sparks, the second oftenserves as tinder resulting in a fierce blaze. Two nights ago there was afire to melt the walls, Mother demanding explanations for every step yourparty took and Esselde unwilling to offer them. Why I honestly expected

their screeching to wake Grandfather Larmir from the dead."

Hearing the glee in Julion's explanation resulted in my feeling a spiritof kinship with him. After all, I too found a significant, little brotherpleasure from my own Mother's battles with my sister June, who were alsoas alike as two blades of grass. With this recognition, I began to feelless wary of Julion, even if he did sound like Darrel and ColonelVannigan.

"Well happily before either said something regrettable, something whosehurt could not easily be repaired, Father stepped in to end the fight. Hehas great skill at this, being a master of the compromise, at least oncehe determines upon what the compromise should be based. In this case, he

determined that it was you Drake who was the point of conflict."

"Me?"

"Yes you. See everybody knew that Esselde would, rightfully, if I maysay, spend the majority of her time ensuring that you are able to getback to being the you that you wish to be. My, wasn't that a pretty pieceof wordplay?"

"Umm...yes?"


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"Of course it was, though I can see by the look on your face that youfind it of little interest. Understandable after being informed that youare the chaff between the grinding stones that are my mother and sister."

"Please Master Julion," Mary interrupted. "Could you tell us of MasterDilen's compromise? Dra'e is nervous enough, without having to bear theadditional burden you attribute to her."

With a seated bow in Mary's direction, Julion apologized, "I am sorryDrake, I am easily distracted by my own voice and cleverness. 'Tis afault that Father believes I must correct. But enough of that, let usreturn to the compromise of which I had begun to speak. Father quicklyguessed that Mother was actually worried that she would get no time tospend with Esselde during this rare visit. Understanding this, Fatherconvinced my sister to spend most of her time during her visit at homewith the family."

"That is understandable, if someone can offer me directions I can lookafter myself," I replied, though my bravado was as rickety as anabandoned barn. The truth was, though Mary provided most of my day to daysupport, it was Mistress Elladoo upon whom I had attached my hopes.

"Drake, I would have thought you had more faith in my sister, what type

of sad compromise would that be? No she made sure that you will not be onyour own, that you would have a chaperon to guide and assist you. Now theobvious choice would be the estimable Mary, but that would be unfair asshe too deserves a chance to spend time with her family. Therefore, theysettled upon the next best choice. Drake of Elladoo Post, I would like tooffer my services as that guide."

The offer was accompanied by a manic grin that did little to instill mewith confidence. Yet how could I not accept the help, without insultingmy matron and the family by whom I wished to be chosen? I could not.Still that did not mean that it was not my duty to offer an out, "Iappreciate your offer Milord, but I am sure you are busy enough withouthaving to trouble yourself with me."

In turn, it was Julion's duty to ignore that out, "Not to worry Drake, Iam not bothered. Well at least I am no longer bothered, as I am sure thatbeing seen in your lovely presence will do my ego an unmeasurable amountof good."

Unsure how to deal with his flattery, I ignored it, except for a blush,and said, "Thank you Milord, I am honoured by your offer."

"I also admit that I am extremely curious about the entire affair. I meannot to slight your situation, but it is rather amazing. So I would havebeen pleased to assist even if Father had not assigned me this task, healso bade me judge your worth to be a Deglace chosen."

Thus I was reminded that care should be taken in measuring a person tooquickly, since their actions or words may hide who they are. Such was thecase with Julion, for despite his foolhardy air he was a scion of hisfamily, which was as powerful as any on the peninsula. If he was ascompetent as his sister then he would be quite formidable and his nextcomments made that seem very possible.

"Well this all happened on the day and night of Esselde's return, whichlikely makes you wonder why it is only today that I came to visit. It is


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not because we do not see you as a priority, let me assure you of that.No it is the result of me diligently taking yesterday to prepare for ourtask. First I needed to contact Hiram's cousin, Sharlese, at the Collegeto ensure that she would be able to meet with you. She will, tomorrowmorning. However, she also asked if she could discuss your case withMagister Bewlmon, which resulted in my setting up and hosting a dinnerbetween the two of them. A fascinating night, even if I had no idea whatthey were talking about most of the time. Then there is the Militia."

"The Militia," I exclaimed, not thrilled to hear that they still had aninterest in my life.

"Yes the Militia. Their investigative branch has been looking intoHiram's report about the attack on his Post. They are interested in whatyou overheard from Darrel, about him having a contact who wasintercepting messages. They wish to ask you about this. Now we know thatyour experiences with the Militia in Corels was very negative; however,Father is rather concerned by this breach in the Commission'scommunications and would take it as a personal favour if you were to talkto them?"

"I agree Milord. As someone who lives on the frontier and who has usedthat mode of communication, I am sold on its benefits. Therefore, I amwilling to assist the Militia."

"You are? Most excellent, Esselde did say that you would be quitereasonable in this request. In fact she convinced me to set up anappointment with the investigators tomorrow afternoon. So I guess thatends my update, do you have any questions?"

Mary and I looked questioningly at each other, wondering who should posethe obvious query. When she made no move to do so, I asked, "Yes Milord,what are we to do today?"

Laughing, he replied, "Of course, what other question could you ask? WellEsselde said that you would be seeking new frocks, as you had been forcedinto her hand-me-downs. Now unless her fashion sense outstrips that of

the city, I would guess that you have been successful."

"Yes, she has Milord," Mary answered.

"I thought so. And let me say, you do look most delectable. However,since you have fulfilled your frock quest, do you have any other taskskeeping you in Fermere?"

"No Milord, we are waiting upon Milady Deglace's orders."

"Very well, then why don't you pack up and we will move Drake into thefamily house in town. It will also allow you to visit your family, Mary.Sound good?"

"Yes Milord," the two of us chorused.

"Okay, while you pack up I will go settle the bills. Who was thedressmaker?"

"Misha Fulert, Dra'e also had new boots made by Master Lestage."

"Ahh, did he get you into some of those stilts that are all the rage?" Atmy nod he smiled and continued, "Just another reason for me to stick


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close, as you will need someone to catch you if you fall. Well I shouldbe back in a half-turn, then we can head into town and introduce you tothe rest of the clan."

With that he was out of the door. Rather stunned by the whole visit Ilooked questioningly towards Mary, who answered with a shrug, "That'sMaster Julion for you."

-------------------------

True to his word, a short while later Julion had Mary and me in acarriage heading into Glanlies, he, Jimi and Stork riding beside us ontheir horses. I would like to tell you my thoughts as we passed throughthe gates into the city; however, everything was a blur, worried as I wasabout meeting the rest of the Deglaces. If I had my druthers, it wouldnot occur so soon after learning that I was a point of conflict amongstthem. Yet in the end my worries were for naught, as despite Julion'sproposed introductions I did not meet any more of the Deglaces on thatday. Instead, after being ensconced in rooms nice than those at theScales, I was left alone.

Even Mary saw this as an opportunity to escape to visit her sons anddaughters. Meanwhile I looked forward to spending the afternoon trulyalone, peacefully alone, something rare since my girlification. Now, you

may say that I spent quite a bit of time alone in Corels, but I wouldrespond that it definitely was not peaceful. However, my plan was not tobe, for soon after Mary left there was a knock on my door signifyingJulion's return.

"Excuse me Drake while I was out a message arrived from ArchmageSharlese, she asked if we would be able to visit a friend of hers thisafternoon?"

"I suppose so Milord, I do not have anything else planned. Do I?"

"Nothing of which I am aware."

"Then I am free, who does she wish me to visit?"

"It is the Priestess Alynn, she is a Physician of Sera. The Archmagewould the physician to examine you, before she begins her own work.Luckily we have lots of time to pop over to the Sanctuary and see thepriestess before eve. Shall we?"

'Luckily' was not how I would describe it, guessing that the exam mayprove to be rather embarrassing. But if the Archmage requested it and shefelt it necessary to return me to myself, I would just have to endure."Of course Milord, I would be happy to visit the priestess."

"That is excellent. But there is one other matter we must discuss before

we go."

Wondering at the seriousness of his tone, I cautiously queried, "Whatmatter is that Milord?"

"Well it's my name. You see it is Julion, not Milord."

"But I couldn't call you that Milord, it wouldn't be right."

"Don't worry about it Drake, none of my friends go by their titles.


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Titles are reserved for our parents. Really you must call me Julion,otherwise everybody will think I am putting on airs."

"I don't know? I am a nobody."

"Not looking the way you do."

"Are you sure it is all right?"

With a smiling leer on his face and with his eyes no longer looking me inthe eyes, Julion intentionally mistook my question, "Oh you definitelylook all right, much more than all right. In fact I was not nearly aseffusive as I should have been when praising Mary for wrapping you inthat wonderful frock."

Unbothered by his flirting, having guessed that it was natural forJulion, I decided to give in to his request, "Okay, I will call youJulion."

With a smile, he stated, "Excellent."

He then offered me his arm. Surprising myself, I took it and allowed himto guide me outdoors where we found a cabriolet we could take to Sera'sSanctuary. Unlike earlier, during this ride I paid attention to my

surroundings. What struck me the most was that it did not seem like wewere in a city, at least nothing like my birthplace of Corels.

Not that the inner ring or temple square and its park accuratelyreflected the city, no this was the showcase where visitors were awed bythe wealth of the Commission. Streets and paths were of packed, whitestone, which was carefully groomed and maintained to provide a ridesmoother than the cobblestones we had traveled earlier in the day. Andwhere there were no paths, there was grass or flower beds or benches,each as carefully maintained as the streets. All of this surrounded greatmansions and even more spectacular temples and churches.

It was exciting and Julion was wise enough not to encroach upon my wonder

with idle chatter. Instead he periodically offered a smile to me as wemoved passed the Chapel of Turin, then the Temple of the Allfather,before coming to a stop in front of Sera's Sanctuary.

Leaving the cart with a caretaker in the robe of Sera we entered a greathall adorned with as much plant-life as any outdoor garden. Taken abackby the calming nature of, well, nature, I did not notice the approach ofan under-priestess until Julion jostled my arm and said, "We are tofollow."

Follow we did, out of the main hall and down into a veritable mazeleading finally to a door where the under-priestess stopped and knocked.Inside was an office full of books and with a desk behind which sat a

full priestess of Sera, in the same straw gold robe as worn by she whohad attended my Chaining. Nor was it just their robes that made themalike, each was of similar age, demeanor and appearance. Almost as ifthey were sisters of blood, not just of faith. However, the priestess inCorels had not emitted the power that I had come to associate with amagic users, this one did. The aura was of similar intensity to MagisterBewlmon's, but of a different feel. While the Allfather's power seemed toreflect knowledge, the Allmother's was one of soothing. Not that thedemeanor of the priestess reflected this calming influence.


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Rising to offer greeting, she spoke to our guide, "Vera, please takeMaster Deglace back to the foyer, I would like to see the damsel alone."

For someone whom I had just met, I was loathe to lose Julion's support.However, the priestess' reason for his banishment was explained when shecommanded me to undress. With little hesitation, I was growing used toothers seeing my body, I complied. Not that it would have been as quickif I had been aware of how Priestess Alynn would poke and prod me. Itseemed she found my existence insulting, being beyond her ken, finding ithard to believe that I had once been a boy. She even described me bysaying, "You are as healthy as a girl your age can be. Your maidenhead isintact and you should be bursting with fertility, yet it is as if you arefallow. How long have you been in this form."

"Just over two months Priestess."

"And have you bled?"

"Pardon?"

"Surely you know of a woman's bleeding?"

I did, though my knowledge was cursory at best, "No Ma'am, I have notbled."

"You should have bled by this time, your body begs for it. Why has it nothappened?"

Though not a question for which she expected an answer, I had a theory,"Excuse me Priestess, Magister Bewlmon believes that the defense spellthat protected me during the demoness' attack continues to operate,though now he thinks it protects me from the passage of time. So maybe mybody does not yet think it is time to bleed."

"Magister Bewlmon you say? He always does have crazy ideas, though Iadmit I do not have a better explanation at this time. I will have topray on it. Mayhap the Lady will offer me wisdom. But for now my

examination is at an end, let me attach your anti-fertility charm andthen you can get dressed?"

"My what?"

"Your anti-fertility charm. We don't want you getting pregnant."

"But...I can't...and...I won't," I gasped.

"Well I don't think you can either, not that I understand why. And what Idon't understand, I don't trust; therefore, we will stick to what works.As for you not getting pregnant, you are a pretty young girl and I sawthe way that young man looked at you. Honestly I don't trust you or any

girl your age around such temptation, specially the sort that dress in amanner to please the Lady's silly daughter. No I know what is best foryou."

None of my pleas or reasonings budged her decision, no more than hadsimilar words affected Master Lestage. I found myself thinking theseGlanlies' folk were rather full of themselves as she pierced my navelwith a gold ring from which dangled a small, golden charm in the shape ofa sickle.


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When done, I could not escape from the woman fast enough, even though thethrob from her piercing served as a steady reminder. Its presence and herwords forced me to look rather differently at Julion, when I was returnedto his side. Apparently sensing my hidden thoughts, he did not pry orquestion me on what occurred, nor did he offer me his arm as we returnedto our cabriolet. Instead he provided silent companionship that Iwillingly accepted. Nor did he extend our visit or attempt introductionswhen we returned to his home, instead allowing me to seek my delayedsolitude. Now needed even more after my visit to Sera's Sanctuary.

Back in my room I tried to confront the feelings brought about byPriestess Alynn. I knew she saw me as female first, demon plagued second,whereas I thought the opposite. To the priestess I was a girl on thebrink of womanhood. Ready to be pursued by men, wedded to one and beddedby him. She expected me to be catchable, assumed that I would want to becaught and so she had sought to protect me from myself. And hidden withinher actions I read a belief, that she had not spoken, she fully expectedme to stay a girl. This fed a niggling thought lurking in the back of mymind, 'If Magister Bewlmon, an expert in demon possession, did notunderstand what had happened to me, then how would know how to break it?'

Rubbing a hand across my stomach I could barely feel the charm beneath mydress, yet its presence loomed large in my mind forcing me to askedmyself what it mean to be a woman? It was a difficult question for a

fifteen year old boy, even for one masquerading as a girl. Yet would itbe easier for a fifteen year old girl? After all, I had not yetdetermined what it meant to be a man.

Maybe a girl would not be as confused by this body, as she would flowerout of childhood over years not in a single sleep. Possibly a girl'smother or sisters or friends would do a better job of explaining what inmeant to be a woman than had my father and brother and friends in tellingme about being a man. Actually I doubted that they could have done aworse job, for the only stories and lessons, mostly passed on by thosewith whom I shared the bachelor quarters at the Post, were recognizableas lies or exaggerations. As often as not they were warnings of what notto do hidden behind laughter or personal glorification. As for any wisdom

they had about women, let me just say that it would take many drops uponmy head for me to believe anything they had said.

Yet the advice I had from women was non-existent, for the little contactI had with them had not involved teaching me what it meant to be a woman.Instead the lessons with Clara and the mistress had been on trade andmath, the only knowledge of women I gained during those times was howunobtainable both of them were for one such as I. Although at least theyhad not ignored me like the rest of the womenfolk at the Post, speciallythose close to my age.

Anything I knew of women was what I had learned in the last two months,surface things, little of substance. My knowledge was akin to having

learned the curses, yet being expected to speak a language. There were somany questions to be asked and answers to be found that I fervently hopedmy niggling thought would be proven false.

As for the charm and what it implied, I vowed to prove to Priestess Alynnthat it was unnecessary. Sure, I had found myself liking Julion, heseemed fun to be around and was someone worthy of emulation. But he didnot set my heart aflutter as did Filice of the glossy black hair andfiery eyes, the daughter of a Roamer whose caravan often stopped to tradeat Elladoo Post. When I was near her I was struck dumb and breathless.


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Neither Julion, nor any other man, affected me in such a way. Nor did Ithink that I would dream of him as I dreamed of her.

Nor did I, instead my thoughts were of Sophie, the pretty maidservant whohad assisted my preparations for bed, helping me out of my dress and intoa new, lovely, muslin night-gown. She had left me tongue-tied with hergentle touch and flowery smell as she loosely braided my hair and stuffedit underneath a night cap. Thoughts of her were enough to fill my dreamswith...

...actually I think I will keep them to myself. Instead let me share mylast waking question, 'What would the magic that healed my wounds do tomy new piercing?"

-------------------------

The next morning once more found Sophie helping me, as I learned she hadbeen assigned to look after me while Mary visited her family. She bustledinto my room with good cheer not long after I had awoken and found thatthe Goddess' healing must have negated the need for my own magicalhealing, for the ring through my navel felt the same as it had the nightbefore. Also unchanged was my reaction to Sophie, which allowed her toget away with petty tyrannies easier than would have Mary. Not that I amsaying Mary would not get her way, she just would have had to put up with

my complaining.

For Sophie I remained silent and let her do to me what she would. Itstarted with the jars of cosmetics that Mary had purchased in Corels,with which she was not at all impressed. Not that it stopped her fromdipping in to use them, while mumbling under her breath a list of itemsshe would have to find in the market that day. She was happier with ourpurchases from Fermere and was most entranced by my chains, the jewelryaspect of them. She felt that they were rather spectacular and should beon display, not hidden. Personally I had felt that this was already thecase, but soon learned they could be put on even greater display.

For a start Sophie had use a long ribbon, made from the blue, satin cloth

of my new visiting dresses, to tie my hair into a pony tail which hungwell down my back. As a result, my hair was pulled away from my face,allowing the sapphire at my brow and the silver filigree of the diadem tobe fully seen. Strangely I was less bothered by this than the fancy bowand dangling ribbon tied in my hair. It just seemed extremely girlish. Imay have said something, if not for Sophie praising the result.

Gods, I was so weak.

With the ribbon chosen, I was not surprised to see her choose thevisiting dress for me to wear. It was not only the satin that made it afancier dress than the grey one, there was all the lace. At the hems, onthe boned bodice and providing additional, minimum protection for a

rather low cut neckline, even the short sleeves Sophie tied to thedresses shoulder straps were completely made of lace. Looking in a longmirror at the end result caused me to feel a number of different emotionsand not all of those were bad.

From my room, I was led to a small dining room where I found MistressEsselde and Julion breakfasting. After the mistress gushed over myappearance, made me spin in a circle and called me adorable. As I sat, mymasculinity retreated even further into the dark recesses of my mind,ending up somewhere near memories of a cat named Socks, who had lived in


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the bakery when I was a little boy. Happily I was soon distracted bysharing news with the mistress. After telling my story from the lastthree days, the mistress passed on the news that she had received amissive from Master Elladoo. It told of his success in negotiating a dealwith Chief Many Song and outlined a number of jobs to be completed bysomeone in the city.

To the three of us, this news was exciting enough to keep us entertainedthroughout breakfast. Apparently Clara, whose wagon train of furs hadmade it to the city, was to be in charge of hiring the work crews tobuild a post somewhat smaller than Elladoo Post. She was also to set upcontracts for merchandise to be sold at what was to become, Many SongPost. I hoped that I would be given the chance to assist her, it would bean excellent training.

Our enjoyable conversation was brought to an end when Julion said weneeded to head out to our meetings. Again we used the cabriolet, thistime to head into the city and towards the College of Mages to theSouthwest. This trip Julion found me both less awed and less pensive,allowing him to entertain me with stories about the city and his friends,most of which ended with me laughing. It was fun and I did not even mindwhere his eyes would dart during my laughter, as I would have been nodifferent, well except for the stretch required to see me with a girlwearing the type of dress I was wearing and being able to make her laugh.

The College, beyond its size and location, did not particularly stand outamongst the other buildings, as it was made from stone, out of the samequarries, that had been used to build most of the city. It was a twin,according to Julion, to the Commission and Militia headquarters.

However, once inside I found it was not like any other building. Notbecause of the tasteful decor, but because of the people, the mages. Theywere all over the place and each emitted power, great or small, ofdifferent feels or textures or smells or sounds. It was like walking intomy parent's bakery and having the wonderful aroma encompass me. Yet whatI experienced in the College's lobby affected every one of my senses, norwas all that assailed me wonderful. In its entirety it was overwhelming

and it stopped me, frozen in my tracks.

Julion, noticing something, turned to me to ask what was wrong. Andthough I saw his lips move, the sound came as if from far away or drownedbeneath a rushing river crashing over a falls.

How long we stood there, I do not know. Probably it was not long, forothers began to notice and turned their gazes in our direction. Somelooked on with idle curiosity, wondering what was wrong with the prettygirl and her well dressed companion. Others, more learned, saw whatrested on my forehead and understood that I was more unique than in justmy appearance. Some shrank away, but most looked on with curiosity, formost of them would be familiar with the demon world and demon kind. They

saw me as an interesting bauble and some began to cast spells of inquirythat quested towards me, like numerous curious snakes.

This was much too much. I wanted too flee or hide, yet my feet wereunwilling to take me anywhere. Instead, like a child, I scrunched my eyesclosed and clapped hands over my ears. Not that it helped. Only whenJulion scooped me up and carried me from the College to a stone bench, atthe bottom of the College's steps, was I able to gain relief from theassault.


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Thankfully the curious stayed inside and let me regain my wits as I satcrouched over, rocking back and forth, glorying in the regular sounds,sights and smells of the street. I barely noticed Julion rubbing my backand murmuring words of encouragement, though I drew strength and comfortfrom both. Beginning to feel normal, I became aware of approachingfootsteps and saw the hem of a burgundy coloured robe enter into my view.From the direction of the approach I could tell that the figure hadapproached from the College, the gleam of power glowing the same colouras the wearer's robe confirmed that the person was one of its members.

Still one person, or a handful of people who had the power, even greatpower, was manageable. Therefore, I raised my tear-stained face to see anolder lady looking at me with a curiosity similar to many of hercolleagues. Seeing she had my attention, she introduced herself, "Iassume you are the Drake of whom I have heard, both from my cousin Hiramand your companion, Master Deglace. I am the Archmage Sharlese."

"Aye Archmage, I am Drake. I thank you for seeing me, though I apologizefor making you come outside for that to happen."

"It is alright Drake. I was looking forward to your visit and am now evenmore intrigued. You really must tell me what happened."

"I am not sure how to explain it Archmage, it is..."

"Wait Drake, the street is not the best location for such aconversation."

"Oh please Ma'am, please. I cannot go inside. Please no."

"Relax child, I do not ask you to go inside. Instead let us go aroundback, where we can find privacy in the gardens."

With this assurance,I allowed Julion to be help me to my feet and thenwith each upon a side, as I still was not that steady, we circled behindthe building to find the garden. One not of plants and flowers asexpected, but of stones and statues. Moving to a pair of benches beneath

a canvas cover the three of us took a seat, she then asked, "If you arewilling, I would involve one of my colleagues in our discussion. He isOvermage Tison and has done much study of the Carthanan demons."

I saw no reason not to grant the request, so I nodded my head at whichpoint I noticed her concentrate for a moment and then flare brightly foran instant, like the aftermath of a lightning bolt strike. I guessed shehad cast a communication spell of some sort and thus was not surprisedwith the arrival of a man in his thirties wearing a robe of umber, thesame colour as the power that surrounded him. A handsome man, who lookedlike he had spent more time on his appearance than I had been forced toendure that morning. This thought made me think of Magister Bewlmon,though it was a comparison the man lost.

After introducing the man as Overmage Tison, the Archmage began herinterview, "Please ignore my prior question about what happened in thefoyer. Instead tell me everything from the start. I have heard some fromMagister Bewlmon and Priestess Alynn, but would hear of it from you,personally."

It was becoming easier to tell, having told it so many times already.Plus Archmage Sharlese was a good listener and did not make me focus onmy time in the bandit camp, saying it would provide little value as I was


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not in control at the time. Instead she focused on my experience with themob in Corels and how I held been able to channel, yet keep, Sandrelessaat bay. With my story told she reacted like everyone else and settledback into thought.

"And you believe that these two times are the only periods when thedemoness has made her presence felt?"

"As far as I know, Archmage."

"Has your personality changed in any way?"

"I do not believe so, though of course everything is different, what withmy being changed into a girl."

"Yes I guess that would change things rather much. However, pleaseforgive me for saying, if I did not know the truth, I would never guessthat you had recently been a boy."

I struggled to be insulted by this statement, but was unable to kindleany anger. Things were becoming too normal, expected, rather thansurprising. "I am not insulted Ma'am, even though I feel I should be. Butwhat has happened to my body has never been as bad as what lurks insideof it. It may even have kept people close. Because, if I had been turned

into some horrid monster, my friends may have turned upon me, maybe Iwould never have even woken from that first sleep."

"So how you no look bothers less than the possession?"

"Most definitely. It is like when someone has their nose broken, yousee."

"Actually I don't."

"Oh sorry. Well you know how when your nose broken you also get blackeyes. Yeah the black eyes are annoying and all, but the broken nose isworse. And by the time the nose is healed, so are the eyes."

"So being turned into a woman is the black eye to the broken nose ofdemon possession?" she asked, rather incredulously.

Even while nodding my head, I understood the tone of her question, for itwas an explanation that barely passed muster for my fifteen year oldmind. I am now willing to admit that it was crap and she had every rightto be incredulous, but at the time it just popped into my head and burstout of my mouth.

Deciding to ignore my explanation, she returned to what had led to it."Still it is surprising that you are so natural."

"It's likely because of Mary, Mistress Elladoo's maidservant. She hasbeen looking after and teaching me things."

Looking towards my companion at the end of my explanation, the Archmageasked, "Why do you shake your head Master Deglace?"

"Sorry Drake, but I am sure that Mary did not teach you to move as youdo. Now don't take this as a complaint against a valued family retainer,but she has been with Esselde for years and my sister still stomps aroundlike a dockworker. Not you, you glide, even in those boots I know you are


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wearing. Any mother would be thrilled to have a daughter move with yourgrace. No actually, you sway in a fashion more appealing to us menfolkthan to a mother. Now that I give it more thought, you walk like adancer."

"Thank you for your expert opinion Master Deglace," Archmage Sharleseanswered in a tone that implied, that if needed, she would side with themothers of the world against the Julions of the world.

Unabashed by the tone, Julion turned a leer in my direction and said,"Glad to offer it Archmage Sharlese. And don't worry I will maintain aclose study on Drake to see what else I can notice."

Showing how quickly I had gotten used to Julion, moving him fromrespected member of a powerful family to friend, I rolled my eyes at him.Smiling at this he taunted in a completely non-insulting way, "You aresuch a girl."

Ignoring our byplay Overmage Tison spoke for the first time, "ActuallyMaster Deglace, you may be on to something."

"Really?" Julion asked, seemingly shocked by the very idea.

"Aye. See Sandrelessa is not unknown to the College, she has been one of

the few Carthanans to regularly come to the call of our members. Much hasbeen written about her, most that she has spoken is thought to be lies,but there have been some speculation about her. One such thought is thatshe is so interested in our world, because she has so very little powerin her own. A worthy guess, for we have learned that amongst theCarthanans their women are treated as chattel. This fits with tales ofher being a concubine and then consort to a fallen prince amongst herkind. After his fall, it is believed she was taken slave by the victor,ever since she has been known as Sandrelessa the Lithe. Maybe she was adancer, it may explain why Drake moves in the fashion Master Deglacenoticed."

"Wait. Are you saying that Sandrelessa is controlling me? That's

horrible, what else is she making me do?"

"No I do not say that. I just surmise a possible explanation to MasterDeglace's observation. It may just be that you or your new body haveinherent grace. But I cannot say, nothing about what has happened to youmakes sense."

There it was. A statement, from an expert, that enhanced my worry that Imay be stuck as Dra'e. I did not find it unexpected; therefore, I wasable to, despite the way my heart was beating, rationally say, "I havetried to deny it to myself Sir, but I think your thought may be true. Forthere is something about me that I have told nobody, something that isnot normal. It makes me wonder if Sandrelessa is hiding closer to the

surface then I hope."

Archmage Sharlese asked, "Does it have something to do with what happenedto you in the foyer Drake?"

"Yes."

"Tell us about it."

So I did. I told them of how I could sense power surrounding those who


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had it. I described what I saw and felt, how with individuals and smallsgroups it was bearable, yet how it had frozen me amongst the dozens inthe College. I stated how any use of the power made the magical auraaround a person flare up. My explanation seemed to fascinate both mages,for their eyes glowed brighter and brighter in excitement.

When I finished, they both began to talk, though Tison deferred to hissuperior the archmage, who asked, "That is rather amazing Drake. Do youmean to say that when you look at either Tison or myself, we glow?"

"Kind of, it is hard to describe. It seems like everyone is slightlydifferent, though I can say that the colouring of each of your robesseems the same as your power. How can I explain it?" I paused, trying toorder my thoughts, to figure out how to make my strange vision real. "Itis like the sun on a foggy morning, when it rises and its light glowswithin mist. So to there is such a fog, though barely noticeable,surrounding each of you and your robes seem to provide the light causingthe glow. Though I don't believe it is your robes, I think it is each ofyou."

"Very interesting. Once a student obtains the status of mage, she istaught a spell with which she colours her white, apprentice robe to oneof her own choosing. I have always been intrigued by the colour choicesmade by some of my colleagues, now I wonder if they or I had a choice."

Nodding his head, the Overmage added, "Aye, do we choose the colours ordo they choose us?"

"That is the question. Too bad there are not apprentices close to theceremony, otherwise we could try and answer it. So let us return to thebigger question of Drake's talent. May it be a variation on the Sight ofObjects?"

"That seems possible Sharlese. Does any of our members have the Sight?"

"I am not sure, I will have to check with the Master of Roles."

Feeling rather confused, I broke in to ask, "Excuse me Ma'am, but what isthe Sight of Objects?"

"My apologies Drake. The Sight is a skill that allows one to look at anitem and determine whether it is imbued with powers. For example, takeyour jewelry. While I or Tison can look at it and guess that they wereused for a Chaining, a person trained in the Sight would be able to seethe power of the Gods. We were wondering if your extra sense is similar.Actually, what do you see when you look at either of your bracelets orrings?"

"I just see them as jewelry Ma'am. I can tell they are well crafted andmade of fine materials, but if I had not felt their power I would not

know they were special in other ways."

"I am not surprised, for I have never heard of anybody with the Sightseeing as you do. It seems your vision is one more oddity about yourpossession. I now regret my hasty response to Hiram when I first learnedof your possession, it may not be as easy to break as I casuallyimplied."

"It is because it involves a Carthanan." Overmage Tison stated.


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"That is my guess as well. And yet I have never read of a Carthananpossession, have you Tison?"

"I have not. I believe it would be wise to do some research. If there isnothing to be found in the library it may be necessary to summon aCarthanan and see if it can provide any information."

The Archmage frowned, "We can't be sure that whatever it says will be thetruth."

"Well there is that, but I may have plan. That is if Drake is willing?"

"I am willing Sir, what do you need me to do?"

"I would like you to attend the summoning, I am hoping that your statemay prove a surprise and that it will let something slip."

Okay, I should not have been so quick to volunteer, still I bravelysqueaked, "I will be there if needed."

-------------------------

The interview ended soon afterwards and the mages headed off to pursuetheir research. As they moved towards the door from which the Overmage

had earlier join us, Julion and I walked back around the building to thewaiting cabriolet. As Julion helped me step up and take a seat, he said,"Well that was definitely interesting."

"Aye it was and I want to thank you Milord..."

"Julion."

"...Julion for helping me and in particular for rescuing me from theCollege foyer earlier."

"Oh it was nothing for a daring-doer such as I. Why if I don't rescue adamsel before lunch I feel that my morning has been wasted."

"It was though and I very much appreciate it." I confirmed not wanting tobe denied my thanks by his humour.

Bowing in acceptance, he said, "I am, was and will continue to be glad tohelp."

"I only hope I can return the favour."

"Excellent, I was looking for an accomplice, I mean an assistant in mymaster plan to seduce the Kingdom of Simolean Ambassador's daughter. Youcan distract the guards while I climb up the wall of the embassy into herroom."

My only response was a brilliant impression of a fish out of water.Julion watching this let a worried frown come over his face beforeplaintively asking, "Are you saying, well actually not saying, that myplan is less than brilliant? It's so simple it cannot fail. First thereis the distraction, you should have no problem with that, I know youdistract me quite easily. Then I climb up into Isoboe's, that's her name,beautiful isn't it. I am almost sure it rhymes with some romanticky word.Wait, is romanticky a word? Well never mind, we must get back to ourplanning. I cannot believe how easily I was distracted, what did you do?"


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"Umm...nothing?"

"I'm not sure I trust you, you must have done something. Hah! I know whatit was, you were proving to me your skill at distraction, which mustimply you have another problem with my plan. What was the plan again?Right you distract, me climb wall. So you must doubt my ability to climbthe wall. That's it, isn't it?"

"Well..."

"No no, you needn't worry. I am an expert climber. Why almost daily Iclimb both out and into bed, what other practice would I need?"

Having finally caught up to the fact that Julion was once more playingthe jester, I played along, "It isn't that I don't have confidence inyour climbing ability, it is more that I worry about your clothes."

This time the confusion was on the other foot (or would it be othermind?) as he questioned, "My clothes?"

"Yes, your clothes. I would think that if you wanted to seduce thisIsoboe, you would want to wear your best clothes?"

"Most definitely. In fact I have had the perfect duds tailored."

"Well my concern would be with how dirty they would get in your climb."

"That would be horrible."

"Aye, most horrible."

"You really should have thought about that before you proposed your planand got me all excited."

"My plan?" I asked, in mock outrage.

"Well I guess I shouldn't lay blame, after all we are a team and teamswork together. Like the Baron Davdiut and Milton Bornes."

"Didn't they live over a hundred years apart?"

"Did they? Then we will be like Elton Brawnlake and Dugliss Terinmor."

"Julion, I believe Brawnlake killed Terinmore in a duel."

"How about Captain Igor Wilsh and Lieutenant Sanmore Danels?"

"Wilsh was a pirate who was captured by Danels and was later hanged."

"Well that just means we will have to be the first great team. Why ahundred years into the future I am sure another pair of adventurers willlook back on us and hope to be as great a team as Julion Deglace andDirk."

"Drake."

"What's that?"

"My name is Drake, not Dirk."


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"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure."

"Well have it your own way, Drake it will be. Though you must admit thatDirk has quite a flair to it, so knifish you know. Whereas Drake seemsrather ducky, hey do you mind if I call you Ducky?"

"I would prefer not Milord."

"Hah, well played. Drake it is. With your wit and my derring-do we cannothelp but succeed. Hold on a moment, that reminds me of something. I nowunderstand why we are struggling with our plan for me to seduce thelovely Isoboe. Didn't we already rescue a damsel this morning?"

"Well it was more you Julion."

"No no, remember we are partners. We share the blame and the success,besides you played a key role in the rescue if I remember correctly."

"Well I guess that's one way of looking at it."

"That's the spirit. So if we are to rescue a damsel a day before lunch

and if we have already rescued said damsel, then it must be time forlunch?"

"Possibly."

"Exactly Drake, it is good to see we are in agreement. What say we grab abite to eat?"

"Aren't we to visit the Militia?"

"Not until this afternoon, we have lots of time to get something to eatand then go see the inspector."

"Then I guess we could, though I am not feeling that hungry."

"It's likely your dress, from what I can see and I'm not ashamed to admitI have been looking, there isn't much room for food. But as a team wemust each make sacrifices. For instance, you really must keep wearingthat spectacular frock, while I will help you by eating anything youcan't finish."

"That will work." I answered, not even bothered by his comments about myappearance. He had a way of saying things that made me feel part, not thetarget, of his humour.

"Excellent and here we are."

Having not been paying much attention to where we were going, I lookedaround. Like everywhere in the city it was not yet recognizable, thoughbased on the number of people milling around the large basin of water inwhich there were a number of fountains, it appeared to be popular."Excuse me Julion, where is here?"

"Why it is the Fountains of Joy. The street vendors here serve some ofthe best food and drink in the city. Plus it is a great place to seefriends, catch up on the latest gossip, and if one is as fortunate as I


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am, to show off the pretty girl they are escorting."

Hopping out of the cart, Julion waved to one of the boys loitering near-bye. After handing the boy a coin and offering more if the cart and horsewere well looked after, Julion helped me down. The throng and the numberof glances cast in my direction were enough that I willingly took his armand the protection it offered. Soon we were moving towards what Juliondescribed as his favourite vendor; however, our pace was slow as itseemed that everyone knew him and wanted to talk or find out who I was.

My curtsy skills were well exercised as I was introduced to quite a fewpeople and my breasts were introduced to many more. It was during one ofthe latter, that a fellow who seemed to exude a dislike for Julionsnarkily commented, "So Julion, can I assume that the new tart on yourarm means that Isoboe has finally come to her senses and cast you aside?"

From there the conversation moved into a verbal duel between Julion andthe man, where, even considering my bias, Julion totally slicing andskewering his adversary. Not only did Julion defend my honour, but healso cast aspersions upon his opponent's. He then accused him of being anugly troll who could not even dream of attaining a wondrous angel such asIsoboe or I. After that things really went downhill, until the manstomped away trying to ignore the laughter of the crowd, who had gatheredto enjoy the spectacle.

While Julion savoured his victory and the congratulations of his friendswho had been watching, I bemusedly reflected on the strangeness of beingcalled both a tart and an angel. I found it hilarious and so it was witha smile that I asked Julion, "So partner, is there something you have nottold me about the target of our plan?"

Quick as he was, Julion still looked at me with confusion for a momentbefore catching on and unapologetically saying, "Well actually Isoboe ismy betrothed. However, the Ambassador is rather old fashioned in hisbeliefs and I am not sure that I can wait."

"Aren't you afraid that slug will run off spreading rumours about seeing

me with you?"

Batting his eyes at me outrageously, he squeaked, "La sir, my sister saidmy honour was safe with you, did she lie?"

Laughing I told him, "No you are completely safe with me. But..."

"Don't worry about it Ducky..."

"Drake!"

"Don't worry about it Drake, Isoboe is fully aware that I have beentasked to escort your loveliness around, though if her friends were as

fully aware of that loveliness, they would have told her to grantapproval with a chastity belt. You see, Isoboe's friends think I am a bitof a scoundrel?"

"You?"

"I know, it is hard to believe. Happily Isoboe is aware that I am pure ofheart and trusts me, besides which she thought that it would be a goodidea for me to have a new ear to bend. You don't think I talk to much, doyou?"


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"No not at all."

"Ahh that is good, you really must convince Isoboe of that when you meether. I know that no matter how much time I spend telling her I don't talktoo much, she never believes me. Ah-hah, we are here. Two please."

It was quite the challenge to keep up with Julion's thoughts, fun though.This time it hardly took a moment to realize that he was now talking to avendor. Looking around I guessed that he sold chunks of course grainedbread on which sauced, sliced beef and pork was piled. It was aconcoction that looked delicious yet terrifyingly difficult to eat whilekeeping the front of my dress clean. Fortunately the vendor looking in mydirection, asked, "Would the lady like a platter?"

Seeing my nod, Julion said, "You might as well give me one as wellGavron, I don't want to show up at my afternoon meeting with a juicy spoton my tunic."

With Julion leading the way and holding the two platters above thethrong, I was able to follow in his wake as he forced a path to themarble wall of the basin. Taking a seat we began to eat our meal andwatch the people about us, most of whom did not have the time to sit atthe fountain to enjoy their meal. I quickly learned that both Julion and

I were correct concerning our earlier discussion about lunch; he in howtasty was the food, me in how little of it I could eat, and he once morewhen he finished off my left-overs. Our meal complete Julion offered theplatters and Gavron's name to another of the many children about thefountain.

Seeing my questioning look, he explained, "She will return them to Gavronand get back the small deposit I paid for them. It's the traditional wayfor children to make their first coin, I spent many a day out of myNanny's hair in the pursuit of such gains. I think it was what makes melove the place. By the by, would you like some cider to chase down yourmeal?"

I weighed the benefit of a drink against the cost of standing up from mycomfortable perch in the warm sun. The latter won. "Actually I would liketo just sit here for the moment, it is so very nice."

"Well why don't you keep our spot while I go get some for both of us?"

"That would be nice"

"Excellent, I will be right back."

With those words he stood and strode back into the crowds, faster than hecould walk with me by his side. Only as his head disappeared from mysight did it strike me how strange it was to have someone of Julion's

stature doing the fetching while I lounged by the fountain. It was notthat I was bothered by his buying, as an apprentice I was used to livingoff the purse of my patron, even if it was usually earned by labour on mypart. And I was hard pressed to convince myself that sitting hereglorying in the sun could be considered labour. Only when I rememberedJulion's comments about team sacrifices was I able to manufacture anexcuse for my laziness, if my role in this partnership was to wear thepretty frock then he could do the legwork.

Having settled that in my mind, I sat back to enjoy myself and watch the


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people mill about, while in turn ignoring the looks cast in my direction.It was from this reverie that I was distracted by a surprised sounding,"Drake?"

Turning towards the voice I was shocked to see Clara, but not the normalClara. Instead of her usual utilitarian garb she was wearing a dress, onealmost as daring as mine. My guess, as I rose to my feet to greet her,was that the dress and makeup were for the benefit of the young man whoprovided her escort. Yet I barely noticed him as happy as I was to seeher, even though we had never been close. Still there was happiness in myvoice as I exclaimed, "Clara, how very good to see you."

"And what a surprise to see you here Drake, sunning yourself like aprincess."

Now after my time with Julion I had guessed my blush ability had shutdown, but the sudden warmth in my cheeks proved this not to be the case.However, instead of answering I glanced at the man and then questioninglytowards Clara.

"Ah yes introductions. Padrick, may I introduce you to Drake of ElladooPost, she is Hiram's apprentice of whom I have told you. And Drake,please meet Padrick Tarringbone, my very good friend."

Curtsying, I said, "Good to meet you sir."

He in turn, bowed and offered, "And you Drake."

With these introductions out of the way Clara asked, "And what are you upto, surely they haven't let you wander off on you own?"

"Oh no, Julion, I mean Lord Deglace is chaperoning me. Although at themoment he has gone off to get us some cider."

"What a splendid idea. Padrick won't you be a dear and get us some,meanwhile I will keep Drake company on her perch."

Taking his dismissal with good grace, he wandered off while the two of ustook a seat on the wall. As the junior I said nothing, waiting for Clarato speak first, not that she made me wait long.

"I spoke to Esselde yesterday and she told me of your tribulations inCorels, let me tell you how pleased I am to offer you my congratulationson your victory. Yet still I was surprised to see you here, apparentlywithout a care in the world."

"No I still have more than my fair share of problems, it is just that onthis nice day and in this enjoyable spot I was allowing myself to ignorethem for a time."

"Then my apologies for forcing them once more upon you."

"There is no need for apologies, for even if I ignore them it does notmake them go away."

Catching something from my tone she asked, "Esselde mentioned that youwere to see Hiram's cousin at the College today, how did it go?"

Suddenly I had the need to share my unspoken fear. It was a burden that Ihad been unwilling to place upon my closest friends, but it needed to be


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spoken, or it would continue to fester within my mind. Clara seemed likethe perfect target, close enough to know the truth, yet not someone whowould feel it was their duty to make my concerns smaller. "All theexperts are confused by me. I really don't think they know how to changeme back to myself."

"But why would you want them to change you back?"

The question took me aback, of all the responses to my fears this was notone for which I had prepared. My only answer was silence, which allowedClara to continue, "Actually I am sure I could provide many of thereasons. Because you think it is your duty or it is expected or becauseit is natural. Maybe you are afraid of being a girl, not sure how to act,worried where it may lead and worried that people will think less of you.That is probably your biggest worry, what will people think if you don'treturn to being a boy.

"But Drake, in my view all those reasons are complete balderdash. Look atyou, sitting here beautiful and poised, waiting upon a scion of theDeglace to play fetch for you. You have survived trials that would breakmany, including most of those whose judgment you fear. You are someonewho seems to me to be more than you were a short while ago. For despiteyour learnings in magic, I never saw you as having potential greater thanDurk. Competent and responsible, but doomed to stay a journeyman forever,

always carrying out the orders of another. Now I look at you and yourpotential seems to have blossomed."

"Would that not still be true if I was returned to myself?"

"Mayhap, but it may be that you will lose some of the you of now inreturning to the your of the past. Plus, though I am somewhat ashamed toadmit it, your current appearance will be better at opening doors. I knowmine has provided significant help to me."

"Yes Clara, you have done a good job at describing most of my fears andyou may be correct in your dismissal of them. Still you left out the mostimportant reason, my possession."

"Ahh yes there is that. So are you saying that you are more bothered bythe possession than your change of sex?"

"Completely. There is much about being a girl that is enjoyable.Particularly the way people have been treating me, I really like how niceeverybody is to me, I always felt ignored before. And I feel like a mulethat has turned into a race horse. So I likely could continue quitehappily as I am, but I'm not sure I can continue to share a body withSandrelessa."

"I can understand that, but does not the jewelry you now wear keep thedemon under control?"

"Only through the threat of harm to me if she takes control."

"Oh, I did not know that. No wonder you want to end the possession. Iwish there was more I could do to help."

"Actually there is, if I could ask a favour?"

"If it is in my power," Clara slowly replied, leery of where offer wouldlead.


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"I know you have be

Adventures of a Merchant 3 - Choices by Arcie Emm

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