Seeds of Discovery (13 page)

Quinn’s second day in Eirentheos had dawned hot and bright. It clearly wasn’t winter here the way it was in Bristlecone. Emma and Alice had awakened her this morning, standing by her bed and shushing each other while they giggled. It reminded her of Annie on weekend mornings at home.

After Quinn had bathed and dressed, Linnea had come to drag her downstairs to join the family for breakfast. Linnea had been speaking the truth last night; not all meals in the castle were formal occasions. Breakfast was in a much smaller room, the table able to accommodate only about twenty people - on the small side for a family whose immediate members alone numbered fifteen, Quinn thought.

She was becoming familiar with the members of the household, even the ones she hadn’t been formally introduced to. William’s oldest brother, Simon, and his sister Rebecca, who she had met last night, were not there at breakfast, but Linnea introduced Quinn to Maxwell, the second-born son. He was just as friendly as the rest of the family, though he seemed preoccupied about something.

After Thomas and Linnea came two boys, Joshua and Daniel, both pre-teens. Quinn had trouble remembering which one was which.

Then there was Emma and her twin brother, Alex, the two tiny girls, Alice and Sarah, and finally, the new baby. Number thirteen. It was disconcerting to Quinn that the baby didn’t have a name yet – such a different tradition than in her own world.

Breakfast was a chaotic affair, with people coming in and out of the room, and children who spent much more time running around, playing, and asking Quinn questions than they did eating. Quinn had enjoyed it thoroughly.

After breakfast, she’d found herself spending time again with William, Linnea, and Thomas. It seemed that William and Thomas
were
an inseparable pair whenever William was at home. Linnea was enjoying having another girl around to “even things up,” she said.

They took Quinn on a tour of parts of the castle and grounds that she hadn’t gotten to see yesterday. Quinn was excited when Thomas led her into the stables and introduced her to his horse, Storm, William’s mare, Skittles, and to Linnea’s white mare, Snow.

Quinn had loved horses for as long as she could remember, and had started taking horseback riding lessons when she was six, though looking back she wasn’t quite sure how her mother could have afforded something like that before she’d married Jeff. For the past two summers, she had worked weekends at a local mountain resort, helping to lead tourists on horseback trail rides through the nearby national forest.

Linnea watched with interest as Quinn approached Snow, stroking her flank and looking her in the eye. “Do you ride?”

“Yes; I love horses,” she answered, chuckling as Snow pushed her nose against her hand, obviously looking for a treat.

“Want to go for a ride?” Thomas asked, tossing her an apple he’d grabbed from somewhere so she could give it to Snow.

“What? Really? … I would love to.” Quinn smiled.

The next thing she knew, Quinn was riding on a beautiful, brown horse, appropriately named Chestnut. The three siblings led her first along a wide riding trail near the castle, but when they realized that she was, indeed, a skilled rider, they ventured further -- taking her into the nearby forest and down toward the river.

Quinn relished the sunshine and the warm air of the summer day, grateful for this strange reprieve from the bitter mountain winter at home. It was beautiful here, in Eirentheos. When they reached the river, they all dismounted, letting the horses get a drink, and sitting down by the water to soak in the fresh air.

“I’ve never heard a bird call like that before,” Quinn commented, listening to the unfamiliar sound that drifted through the trees.

“We have many different kinds of birds here than you have in your world,” William told her, a strange smile on his face.

“Really?”

“Indeed.” William let out a long, low whistle and then paused, seemingly waiting for something.

Suddenly, a large bird flew into their little group from somewhere across the river, so close to Quinn’s head that she could feel her hair move. The bird flew straight to William’s side, landing and tucking in its wings. Quinn was stunned.

“Quinn, this is Aelwyn, my gray seeker,” William said, rubbing the bird’s head lightly with one finger.

The bird was beautiful; the feathers on her head were a pure alabaster in color. The rest of her body was a shimmery gray, almost silver, all the way to the tips of her wings, where the feathers turned a smoky black. Obviously a raptor of some sort, Aelwyn’s talons were sharp and dangerous-looking. Quinn had never been this close to an animal like this before.

“She’s amazing,” she breathed softly, afraid of startling the bird. “She’s a … pet?”

“Sort of,” Thomas answered for his brother. “Seekers have long been bred as companion birds, though they live in the wild and fend for themselves as adults. Once they are trained, they are fully loyal only to one master, and they will never stray out of hearing range of their master’s call.”

Quinn thought her eyes might pop out of her head.

“More a friend than a pet,” William said.

Thomas and Linnea both let out whistles of their own, and a moment later, they were joined at the river by two more seekers, Thomas’ bird Sirian, and
Zylia
, who was Linnea’s. Quinn watched; she was fascinated at the way the birds responded, to both their owners and each other.

“We suspect Sirian and Aelwyn may have become a mating pair,” Thomas told her, as they watched the birds strut near each other, touching the crowns of their heads together. “We haven’t found any nesting sites yet, though.”

After a few moments, the birds seemed to realize they weren’t needed for any specific purpose, and almost simultaneously disappeared into the trees again.

“I suppose we should be heading back before too long. It seems unfair to leave Simon and Max to baby-sit Tolliver the whole day,” Thomas said, standing and brushing dirt and leaves from his pants.

“I’m sure you’re right,” William replied, as he stood, “I have no idea what to do with him though; we can only take him on so many tours of the garden and stables.”

“How about a game?  We haven’t played crumple in a while, and with Uriah and
Cabel
arriving this morning we have enough for a proper four-on-four game.”

“Well that would certainly be better than trying to make small talk with him. “

“Yeah, I’d prefer tackling him into the dirt any day.” The retort came from Linnea and the group turned to look at her in mock horror before breaking out into laughter.

“What exactly is ‘crumple’?” Quinn asked.

William grinned. “It’s the great Eirenthean sport. Nothing like it in Bristlecone.”

“Sweaty boys in shorts pounding each other into the ground.” Linnea smiled. “Plenty of fun to watch -- when you’re not related to all of them.”

Quinn couldn’t quite suppress her giggle.

After lunch, Linnea led Quinn through the grounds until they reached some kind of sports field. Lines of white paint marked the playing area. Stands of white, wooden bleachers lined either side of the field.

“So... crumple is a pretty big deal here?” she asked Linnea, noting the formal setup.

“Sometimes,” Linnea smiled. “We do play more than just crumple here.”

“What is crumple, exactly?”

“It’s pretty simple. I’ll explain as they play, but you’ll pick it up really fast.”

Quinn studied the field. Set up at each end were what looked like two
goals.
One was about the size of a hockey goal; the other was smaller. The two sides were set up opposite each other, a small goal directly across from a large one.

Thomas and William arrived then, climbing the bleachers to greet the girls. They were wearing white t-shirts and long, white athletic-type shorts. Quinn sucked in her breath at the sight of them; suddenly sure that watching the game was going to be as fun as Linnea had promised.

“Let’s see some action,” Linnea teased.

“As you wish, my lady,” Thomas grinned back.

More players were starting to arrive on the field. Quinn recognized the two oldest Rose brothers, Simon and Maxwell, and Tolliver. Another was familiar; she had seen him talking to Tolliver last night, but couldn’t remember his name, although she was sure someone had said it. “Who are the two walking onto the field now?” she asked.

Thomas turned and looked, “
Cabel
and Uriah. They’re cousins of ours, brothers. Looks like everyone’s here, actually.” As he spoke, Quinn could see Rebecca and her husband, Howard arriving. “Guess we should get started.”

Quinn watched with interest as they spent a few minutes deciding teams, distributing red and blue arm bands. Thomas teamed with Simon,
Cabel
, and the one whose name she couldn’t remember on the red team. William was on the blue team with Maxwell, Tolliver, and Uriah. Howard volunteered to referee.

“They try to keep it friendly,” Linnea explained, “and make the teams as even as possible.”

After a few minutes of discussion on the field, Maxwell went to stand in front of the larger goal on one end of the field.
Cabel
did the same on the other end. “They’ll be the goal-keepers,” Linnea told her.

“What’re the smaller goals for?” Quinn wondered.

“Putting the ball in the smaller goal is worth two points, because they are unguarded. Getting it in the larger goal scores ten.”

The rest of the players lined up at the center line, facing each other. Howard stood off to one side, holding the ball. The ball was made of brown leather, and probably a little smaller than a soccer ball, Quinn thought. Howard blew a whistle and threw the ball into the middle of the players. There was a mad scramble, and then Quinn saw the ball in Thomas’ hands. He quickly threw it to Simon, who had run down the field.

“Who’s the other one on Thomas’ team?” she asked.

“Gavin. He’s another cousin of ours,” Linnea wrinkled her nose.

“You don’t like him?” Quinn guessed.

“We’ve had our issues.”

Quinn watched as Simon attempted to throw the ball to Gavin, but William jumped in front of him and caught it, throwing it the other way down the field to Uriah.

“So what are the rules?”

“There aren’t many. You basically have to throw or kick the ball; you can’t run with it, except for the goal-keepers who can run five steps and throw it if they catch it. And you have to keep the ball inside the boundaries. If it goes out, it has to be thrown back in, and it’s fair game for either team.”

At that moment, Tolliver threw the ball toward the smaller goal, but missed getting it in. “Thomas was in my way,” he complained, as he walked to retrieve it and throw it back in.

Linnea rolled her eyes. “Being in the way is kind of the point,” she muttered.

It was fun to watch, if tricky to keep up. The ball moved constantly between the two teams. Simon scored the first goal, an impressive toss right over Maxwell’s shoulder, scoring ten points for the red team. That was quickly followed by William and Uriah managing to keep the ball in their zone long enough to make three 2-point goals for the blue. They passed the ball to Tolliver next; he threw the ball with enormous force right at
Cabel’s
head, but
Cabel
still managed to make the save.

“Is that legal -- aiming for someone’s face?” Quinn asked Linnea.

“Um, there aren’t any rules against it -- there aren’t many rules in crumple at all -- but most guys try to keep it clean when they play, especially when they’re playing a friendly game with family.”

The score was nearly tied, 16-14 blue when Howard blew the whistle for a break. The boys came over to sit in the bleachers and chat. Quinn was surprised when Tolliver climbed up and sat down right next to Linnea. “A kiss for your favorite crumple player, princess?” he asked.

Quinn’s eyes widened. She’d been getting the distinct impression that Linnea wasn’t overly fond of Tolliver.

“In your dreams, perhaps, my lord.”

The casual conversation that had been taking place around them stopped. Every eye was trained on Tolliver, to see his response to that.

Tolliver was undeterred. “And what lovely dreams they are. I do so anxiously
await
the day they become reality.”

Quinn heard a sharp intake of breath from somewhere behind her. Suddenly, Quinn, Linnea, and Rebecca found themselves surrounded by Thomas and his brothers.

“I think the lady is giving you a chance to bow out gracefully, my lord,” there was no mistaking the subtle undertone in Thomas’ voice.

“Why don’t you let the lady speak for herself? Or does she still need help from her big brother to talk?”

“I thought I had made my feelings explicitly clear to you last night, Lord Tolliver. I am not interested.” Linnea stood then and walked down the bleachers.

Howard and Thomas helped Rebecca and Quinn stand, motioning that they should follow.

Linnea walked quickly, back toward the castle. Quinn and Rebecca nearly had to run to keep up.

“That... UGH!” was all Linnea had to say as they reached the entrance near the kitchens.

“He’s quite the piece of work, isn’t he?” Rebecca asked her. “As grateful as I am to be out of his reach, I’m so sorry he’s moved on to vying for you.”

“That makes two of us,” Linnea almost growled.

At that moment, Queen Charlotte appeared in the hall. She smiled when she saw the girls standing there. “Rebecca! Linnea! I was hoping I would find you. And Quinn, how are you dear?”

“I’m fine, thank you,
Your
... um... Charlotte.”

Charlotte’s smile was warm as ever. “I’m glad to hear it. Have my children been keeping you entertained?”
“Quinn just saw her first game of crumple,” Linnea said. “And she came with us on a horseback ride this morning. She’s quite the accomplished rider. She was a natural with Chestnut.”

“Are you, my dear?  That’s wonderful. Perhaps we should have you select one to use as your own while you are here with us. What do you think?”

Quinn blushed, her eyes growing wide. She was grateful when Linnea jumped in to answer for her. “She would love that of course, wouldn’t you, Quinn?”

“It’s...really not necessary.”

“Nonsense. If you’re a rider, you need a ride,” Charlotte was adamant. “Linnea can take you down to the stables in the morning. Now, girls, I was hoping for your help with choosing some of the centerpieces for the ceremony tomorrow. Could I borrow you for a while?”

Rebecca turned to Quinn. “Run away while you can,” she whispered. “I know it must have already been quite a long day for you, and this is not as exciting as my mother is making it sound.”

Quinn smiled. She was about to open her mouth to object, but yawned instead. It had been a long day.

“Want me to walk you up to your room?” Linnea asked her.

“No, I can manage. I know my way now.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“All right. I’ll be up soon and we can get ready for dinner together.”

*          *          *

“On your way to your room?”  Quinn looked up, surprised by the voice. What Tolliver was doing back in the castle so soon, she wasn’t sure. She hadn’t seen him in the hallway. She quickly turned toward him, uncertain how she was supposed to greet a foreign dignitary without the company of one of the royal family.  Though it was clear that Linnea and Rebecca both had no fond feelings toward him, he was still a potential king, and it was probably best to be polite.

“Yes...Lord Tolliver, I am.”  

She’d apparently done something right, because the pasty grin on the man’s face deepened.

“Allow me to escort you upstairs.”

Uh... “Thank you, but I’m sure I can manage.”

“Oh but I insist.” He took her arm. Whether she liked it or not, it seemed she would have to put up with him.

“Quinn, is it?” She nodded as they walked, he was grasping her arm firmly, almost to the point of pain but she told herself not to pull away, they would be at her room in a few minutes and he would go on his way.

“And it seems you have made quite the impression on young Thomas. He appears to be very fond of you.”

“Thomas is very nice.”

“And all this... living in the castle, gowns, fine food and wine.  Thomas certainly doesn’t skimp on his ladies.”

“No, Thomas has been very kind; the whole family has been generous.”

“Oh, I see.”  Somehow, the look on Tolliver’s face changed without moving a muscle; in an instant, it went from inquisitive to predatory.

Suddenly, Quinn realized just how close Tolliver was standing to her. They had reached the hallway that would lead to the royal family’s quarters.

“He’s actually keeping you in his own quarters? How delightful. I had no idea Thomas had it in him.” Tolliver pressed closer to her; she could feel his breath, hot on her cheek.

In a flash, she caught his intentions, and a thrill of fear ran down her spine. What was she going to do? Instinctively, she pulled back. Tolliver’s grip tightened on her arm, and she gasped in pain.

“Going somewhere, my dear? I’m sure Thomas would be happy to see you keeping his guests entertained. What say you to taking a tour of my accommodations in the castle?” Without waiting for a response, Tolliver began to pull her toward a different hallway. She tried to resist, but Tolliver twisted her arm, gripping it so tightly that it brought tears to her eyes.

Suddenly, a door opened just across the hallway. Tolliver dropped her arm as Joshua and Daniel, William’s two younger brothers, entered the hallway. They sized up Tolliver in his athletic wear.

“Did we miss the whole game already?” Daniel asked.

“No, no... They’re still playing,” Tolliver’s response was too quick. “Why don’t you two go and join them?  If you hurry, I think they might still need another player.”

Daniel looked ready to turn and bolt down the stairs, but Joshua had a puzzled look on his face. “Then what are you doing in here?”

“Quinn was just about to show me a bit of the castle I haven’t seen before. Weren’t you?”

Heart still racing, Quinn took her chance, “I’m just not feeling up to it anymore, Tolliver. I think I’ll go and rest now. Alone.”

“Well another time then, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities before I leave,” the threat was implicit.

Quinn turned and walked back down the hallway as fast as she could without running, closing the door of her bedroom and locking it before she fell on the bed and burst into tears.