Chapter 2
Roland looked out one of the windows of his room in the castle. Snow was still coming down at a heavy rate. While not unheard of; this snowstorm had lasted three days, and was still going strong.
Snow was piled up on the east side of the castle's outer wall, as well as inside the castle's courtyard. All un-roofed spaces were 2 feet deep, or more, in snow. Even the covered walkways at the top of the castle walls had to be swept to remain clear of snow.
Berandal had asked Roland if he could do anything with his magic. Roland hesitated. He had a few spells, but was reluctant to use them. He told his father that while he had a spell or two, it would be best to wait to use them, as they had to be recast frequently in this type of weather. There were better spells, but he didn't know them yet.
For over two years now, Roland had studied magic with Gorman Tantleman. He was already well into the journeyman magician's level, and was working his way up from there. Next step was master magician. After master magician, came sorcerer, and then wizard. Finally, above all these, was that rarest rank of all: 'Mage'.
Now his days were different. From the 7th candle mark in the morning, to the 11th, he studied magic. He then had one candle mark free, to eat or rest. Then it was 2 candle marks of sword practice. After that, he studied with a tutor in math, and other such studies, most of which he thought a waste of time. His day was full from sun up to sun down, in study.
The castle had been repaired, even to the parts that had needed to be rebuilt. It was done very well, and only had a few drafty places. Hanging huge heavy drapes on those portions of the walls that still leaked air solved the problem. He was at a place in his magic where he THOUGHT he could solve the draftiness problem. His father told him not to attempt it, until he was sure.
One thing his magic could and did do, was warm the air. His rooms, his father's rooms, the servant's quarters, all were made comfortable. The fireplaces took care of the rest. Still, it was very chilly in much of the castle, as there were many rooms not being used. The kitchen was the warmest room in the castle, all year round.
Roland watched as a guard walked the East wall. Even though all the walls had covered walkways, it was still a dangerous thing to do in weather like this. He felt sorry for the guard, but trying to do weather magic was something he was not that comfortable with doing. Even the great wizards at the guild hesitated to use magic to change the weather.
Roland chaffed at his enforced stay at home. He wanted to be out and into the city, which was about an hours ride to the southeast. More to the point, he missed Tam! He missed going to the King's Inn, and talking with his friends. He didn't have many, and he cherished the few he did have, particularly Tam!
He was tempted to teleport to the Inn, now that he knew how. The only trouble was that he had been forbidden to do so, unless it was an emergency! Gorman was very serious about that, and most forceful with his instruction.
Roland sighed and stretched. While Gorman could and did teleport to the castle for his daily lessons, at least he was free from the math teacher! Lord, what a horrible thing was math! Still, he knew that it was important for some aspects of life. For example, carpenters, stonemasons, and merchants were all math users.
Roland felt a little put out at the level of math his father was making him learn. Gorman was not sympathetic, either. Well, at least the snowstorm was keeping one nuisance away! He had already finished up all the math work that had been left for him to do, and found himself with unprecedented free time.
It was during this free time, that he had a precognitive episode. He was starting to get them more frequently, but could not control them. They always pertained to him or those close to him. This one announced visitors, and soon!
He went in search of his father, and informed him they were going to be entertaining several highborn people. Then he explained how he knew. His father listened, and then asked him to do what he could about clearing the snow from the main gate. Roland went to put on his winter cloak, and his father summoned servants to prepare extra food and rooms for their guests.
Soon Roland had the gates clear enough to open. He then went inside, and cast a spell to warm the Great Hall. Normally, it was not heated with magic, but with fire that blazed merrily away in a huge fireplace, at its opposite end.
Shortly, everyone heard the bell from outside that announced that a visitor or visitors were seen turning onto the castle road itself. As it was still snowing heavily, and visibility was very limited, the visitors had to already have been on the castle road for some time.
Roland re-donned his winter cloak, and went outside. A guard yelled down that he could see horsemen and a sleigh coming up the hill. While he had received the precognitive flash, it had not told him how many people they would be entertaining, nor who they were.
Roland told the gate guard to open the castle gates. Slowly and ponderously they swung open. Soon 4 men on horses —guards- rode through the castle gates, followed by a sleigh that was being pulled by two Nestry horses. The sleigh was enclosed. A driver sat in front, while two footman sat on a bench attached to the rear. Four more horsemen rode behind the sleigh.
One of the guards who had ridden in with the first four, dismounted and approached Roland.
"Do you represent the lord of this castle?" the guard asked.
"There is no lord. I am the owner's son, Roland. Welcome to castle Talvon. I am Roland Talvon. My father, Berandal Talvon, is within; and is ready to welcome you all," Roland stated simply.
"I am escorting a most noble lord and his wife. Our horses are worn, and we could use shelter from this storm. Can we impose upon you and your father for hospitality? Besides our two principles, I have eight guards, a driver, and two footman," the guard asked politely.
"Of course. We received word of your coming, and have been preparing quarters and a meal for you, your men, and the nobles," Roland said.
The guard cocked his head, and said wonderingly, "You received word of us? In this weather? I wouldn't have thought it possible; but I thank you on behalf of my men, and the lord and his lady."
Having said that, he went to the sleigh, and opened the door. The nobles stepped out. A castle groom came forward and led the men, horses, and sleigh away. He would make sure the guards and horses were fed and quartered.
Roland escorted the guard with whom he had spoken, the two footmen, and the heavily wrapped lord and lady. Berandal stood in the doorway, and bowed a welcome as everyone came inside. There was a soft gasp from the lady as she was met, not with chilly castle air, but a gentle warmth.
The lord was looking around, and nodded.
"May I present the Duke Elias Taft, and his wife, the Duchess Lana Taft? My lord and lady, I have the honor of introducing the owner of this castle, Berandal Talvon, and his son Roland.
Roland and his father bowed once more at the introductions. As the guard captain had been introducing everyone, the two guests had been divesting themselves of their heavy cloaks.
Roland was puzzled. He could have sworn he had seen the duke somewhere before. Then it came to him. This was the same 'man in brown', that had taken on the Baron Maklin and defeated him so handily!
Berandal led everyone to the small dining room. It was actually a little late for the midday meal, and too early for the evening meal; but Berandal was determined to feed his guests, and had ordered a simple but hot meal prepared.
After everyone was seated (with the exception of the two footmen), Berandal ordered the servants to start bringing in the meal. First to arrive was the mulled and spiced wine. It was warm, tasted pleasant, and heated a person's innards nicely. While everyone was drinking their wine and warming up, the servants brought in hot soup.
It was filled with chicken bits and dumplings, and was one of Roland's favorites. After the soup was finished, a pitcher of ale was brought along with several wines, giving their guests a choice of liquids to imbibe.
While the meal was going on, Roland surreptitiously studied their guests. A Duke and Duchess were in their home! The Duke was wearing brown clothing, similar to the last time Roland had seen him. This time, Roland studied his face. It was smooth, except for a few lines at the corners of his eyes, which were a startling blue in color. His hair was brown, but he was going slightly gray at his temples. His hair was worn shoulder length.
His wife was the total opposite of him. She wore a heavy dress of light blue, had blond hair, and her eyes were light blue that bordered on gray. She was very polite and appreciative of the respite from the road, that Roland and his father offered them.
Finally the meal was finished, and everyone sat back. The servants cleared the dishes away. Once again everyone's glass was filled with the beverage of their choice. Roland noticed that the duke liked the burgundy wine, while his wife stayed with the mulled wine. Roland chose the ale, as it was a good one.
"I want to thank you again for your hospitality, Berandal. I would have waited to come to Frontek, but it is imperative I get there before the months end. Now that we are here, if we can impose on your hospitality until the storm ends, my wife and I would be most appreciative," the duke said.
"It is my pleasure to host you and your lady wife," Berandal replied.
"I notice you employ magic here. Do you contract through the guild?" Duke Taft asked interestedly.
"I had the guild in, during the major reconstruction. My son has added a few of the homey touches, such as warming the air for us," Berandal said with a proud look at his son.
"Castles are such a problem to heat in the winter. You're very lucky your son has the abilities to do as much as he has," the duchess said with a smile.
"I don't really have him heat as much as you would think. Just our rooms, the main dining halls the servant's quarters. Today he warmed the great hall and that's it for the castle proper." Berandal supplied.
"I also heat the guards' quarters if the weather turns really cold. It is to big for the one fireplace that's supposed to keep it heated during the winter. We have a pot belly stove on order. But you know how it is... they seem to go to lords and the influential, first. No offense meant," Roland finished with a blush.
"None taken," the duke responded with a laugh.
"Would you mind telling us how you came to own a castle? It is unusual for someone like you. I also mean no offense, but usually castles are handed down from generation to generation. All that I know of are owned by a noble of some sort," the duchess asked.
So it was that Berandal launched into the tale of how Roland had discovered a treasure in gems. It was a watered down version, but lasted for a good half hour, anyway. Both the duke and duchess were fascinated. They both asked questions, and the duke asked about the ring on Roland's hand, saying he saw the magic of it. Roland said he had it from the bag of gems.
"Were you able to do magic before you came upon this cache of gems?" Duke Taft asked curiously.
"I don't know. I never tried until after finding the gems. While I gave most of the gems to father, I put some aside for me. I have always wanted to study magic. It now seems I have a knack for it," Roland said in a deprecating manner.
"Well, it seems we will be here for at least a day. I am familiar with magic myself, and would be glad to pass a few spells of interest along to you, if you're able to handle them," the duke said.
Roland perked up noticeably. "I would be honored, your grace," he responded.
"Then if you can have someone show us to our rooms, my wife and I would be glad of a short rest before evening," the duke stated firmly.
Berandal himself led the pair to their rooms. He returned to the dining room to find his son lost in thought.
"A copper for your thoughts," Berandal asked Roland.
"Just thinking about the duke. He is 'the man in brown', who took down Baron Maklin. Remember me tell you about it?" Roland asked.
"I do. I wonder what brings him here? He said he had to be here before months end. What in all the world is so important that he had to go through a storm such as this, to make it to Frontek?" Berandal asked musingly.
"I don't know. Gorman will be here tomorrow. Perhaps he can tell us if anything is going on that would draw a duke in this kind of weather," Roland replied in the same tone.
Edited by TeNderLoin