Agent of the Dragon

“And this is the Lady’s Maid’s room,” said Armina. Rhysa, once more in the guise of Mieryth, nodded. Armina was taking her on a tour of the house and grounds to be given to Lord Bandar’s son. “You’ll notice it’s located between the entrance and the Lady’s room. It will be your job to keep annoying visitors to a minimum.”

“Hmm.” Mieryth looked around; the room was spare: a couch, a small desk and chair, and dresser with a mirror. The bed was hidden behind a painted screen--the only concession to a maid’s privacy. Even with furniture, there was a square symmetry that echoed the architecture of the rest of the house, which seemed constructed to be as boring and unobtrusive as possible. “I suppose it’s too much to ask if another room is set aside for when I’m no longer needed to play doorstop?”

Armina’s face failed to remain stern. “Yes. You can keep your things there if you wish.”

Armina led Mieryth into the Lady’s suite. The first room was a lavishly decorated sitting room; the Lady would probably not appreciate the beauty of simplicity. One door led to a large bedroom. Normally, the Lady would sleep in the Master’s chambers. This bedroom was for when it was inadvisable for the Lady to share her lord’s bed. As with Mieryth’s bedroom, the Lady’s bed was hidden behind a painted screen. There was enough space left to serve as a dressing room.

They walked through the sitting room and through the other door into a bathing chamber. It seemed an exact replica of the one in Rhysa’s suite in Mestin Reach. Hastily, Rhysa reestablished Mieryth in her mind.

“This is a very nice bathing room,” said Mieryth, “I wish I had one like it.”

Armina grinned. “Maybe the Lady will let you use it.” Mieryth laughed.

“So that’s the end of the tour. Do you have any questions?”

“Do you know anything about the history of this place?”

Armina pursed her lips for a moment as she thought. “I don’t know much. Lord Bandar bought it several years ago, and spent the last six restoring it. It was quite run down.” She looked around the bathing chamber as if seeing the entire house. “I’m rather proud of what’s been done here. The house itself was built between four and five hundred years ago. It would be a tragedy for such a manor to disappear entirely.” She wandered into the sitting room, followed by Mieryth. “It had been vacant for decades before Lord Bandar bought it.” Armina glanced out the sitting room window and gave a small start. “Goodness! How time flies. I think we’ve missed lunch.”

Mieryth’s stomach chose to protest at that moment. She blushed and gave Armina an apologetic smile. “It’s been a while since breakfast. I can make it to supper.”

“Nonsense. Come with me, child.” Armina turned and marched through the maid’s bedroom. “There’s always something ready in the kitchen. We never know when a lord or lady will want a snack, and sometimes tasks keep us away from the proper eating hours. Missing a meal only means you eat on the run, rather than with other servants.” Amelia stopped and placed a hand gently on Mieryth’s arm. “Don’t ever miss a meal, if you can help it. I run a strict household, but I know a hungry servant doesn’t do good work.” She turned and continued towards the kitchen. “The head chef here was Lord Bandar’s sous-chef. The Lord Bandar’s head chef wasn’t pleased to lose him, but wouldn’t hear of letting any of the lesser cooks take on such responsibility. I think you’ll like him. He’s got a smart mouth, but he does good work and doesn’t let his mouth get in the way--most of the time.”

The younger Bandar’s head chef was just putting something in the oven when Mieryth followed Armina into the kitchen. He turned and grinned at the pair just entering his domain. The grin was infectious and Mieryth didn’t bother trying to fight it. Armina smiled, but was too experienced to let it sway her.

“What can I get you, Mistress Castellan?” His voice teased as much as his words.

“I’m afraid we’ve missed lunch, Master Chef.” Armina dropped the smile, but her aged eyes twinkled.

“Indeed? Well, I’m sure you’ll find it tomorrow. In the mean time, there’s bread, fruit, and cheese.”

Armina nodded a gracious thanks, then placed a hand on Mieryth’s shoulder. “Sterling, this is our new Lady’s Maid, Mieryth. Mieryth, Sterling, our Head Chef.”

Mieryth stepped forward and held out her hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”

Sterling’s green eyes took her in with a glance, but he just stood with a small smile on his face. He stood unmoving until Mieryth’s eyebrows rose slightly, then he gave a start and looked at her hand extended in greeting. He looked at his own flour-covered hands, and wiped a hand on his apron before shaking her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

Mieryth released his hand, trying to find a way to get him to relax. “What did you just put in?”

He blinked, then glanced at the oven as if asking for a prompt. Then he turned back to her. “It’s a meat and vegetable pie. Simple, hearty, and easily reheated if necessary.”

Mieryth pursed her lips to hide her smile. “How very...practical.”

“Oh. Um. That’s me, I guess. Practical in many things. Practically this, practically that.”

Weak as the humor was, Mieryth laughed and the tension went out of Sterling’s shoulders. “I’m sure, Sterling, but for now, can you point us in the direction of that bread and cheese and fruit you mentioned?” He blushed and pointed to a sideboard next to a pantry. “Thank you.”

Mieryth and Armina filled a couple of plates, and sat at a small table. When Sterling disappeared on an errand, Armina leaned close to Mieryth. “He likes you, I think.”

“What gave it away?”

Armina giggled. It sounded odd from someone who looked like a grandmother. “Do you want that alphabetically or categorically? You handled it well, by the way.”

“Thank you. For some reason, I get that reaction from time to time.” Mieryth indicated the door through which Sterling had left. “I’ve had to learn how to handle it.”

“‘For some reason’ she says.” Armina snorted. “As if you weren’t aware of how you look.”

Mieryth shrugged, and took several bites before answering. “I take care of myself. Even after my husband died, I didn’t let myself go.” She gave a small smile. “I used the discipline to keep me sane.”

Armina nodded and delicately dropped the subject. “What do you think of the manor?”

“Honestly? The architecture is pretty boring. Was it designed to avoid notice?”

Armina laughed. “I knew you had the spine to be honest. I agree. The architecture is boring. I don’t know much about the history of the manor, but it’s entirely possible the original owner wanted it easily overlooked. One of the original basements was closed, as if hiding something.”

“Which one?”

“It was turned into a couple of rooms. Your permanent room is one of those.”

“Ah. I thought it was out of character for the manor to have below ground living areas.”

Armina chewed on the last bite of her bread and cheese. “I have accounts to review this afternoon. Being the Lady’s Maid, you have very few duties until she arrives. After that, you’ll be wherever she is. Until then, feel free to explore the manor and grounds. Starting tomorrow, I expect you to wear livery at all times except when on a break day.”

Mieryth nodded and watched her employer leave the kitchen. She doubted this amiability would last. The household was on stand by. Once the newlyweds arrived, Mieryth had no doubt Armina would become strict. Oh she would still be friendly, but not so familiar. Mieryth hoped the other servants were expecting it. They would be in for a rude shock if they weren’t. She finished the last bits of her meal and left the dishes with a scullery boy.

Rhysa wandered the halls, at a loss of what to do. She was supposed to be finding out about The Primacy. She now had her cover employment, but she was several miles outside the city. How was she going to gather the needed information? She wandered into the central garden and sat on a bench near the fountain in the center. She could probably glean some information from the Lady and young Bandar, but would it be enough?

“What would you do?” she asked the fountain. The fountain only chuckled at her.

The grating sound of gravel warned her of someone approaching. In an eyeblink, Rhysa resumed her Mieryth disguise. She kept her eyes on the fountain, and listened to whoever it was approach.

“I’m sorry about my greeting earlier, or the lack of one.” It was Sterling. “I wasn’t expecting to be confronted with a vision. No, don’t stand up.”

Mieryth sat back down and looked up at him. “There’s nothing to apologize for. You pulled yourself together very nicely.” He looked decidedly uncomfortable, as if he wasn’t used to being speechless. “Have a seat,” she invited, gesturing to another bench not far away.

She watched him appraisingly. Green eyes, she knew about. Likewise the red hair was hard to miss. But now she had the chance to really look at him as he walked to the bench and sat. His young face and features were surprisingly elfin. His body was thin, out of character for a chef. His hands, though thin, showed a strength gained from years of forcing uncooperative foods into works of art. He was cute, rather than handsome.

“How long have you been a chef?”

“This is my first year as Head Chef. I’ve been sous-chef for three years at the elder Lord Bandar’s manor in the city. Before that?” He shrugged. “I guess another ten years or so in various underchef positions.”

Mieryth blinked. At least thirteen years, then. He didn’t look old enough, unless he started working at seven.

He caught her expression and laughed. “I’m older than I look. I don’t know exactly, but somewhere in my mid-thirties.”

“Huh. Now we’re even.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not sure what to say.” She grinned at him, coaxing an answering grin from him. “Do you mind if I ask a couple of questions?” He shook his head. “What are the Bandar’s like? They have a good reputation, but reputation and reality are sometimes two separate things.”

“Oh, their reputation is well earned. They maintain the separation of family and servant, but they’re as much friend as employer. Armina, as castellan, is a bridge between the servants and the family. She’s worked with them so long she practically is family. When she’s on duty, so to speak, she’s probably the coldest of the lot. Even off duty, if part of the family’s around, she tends to be very proper.”

Mieryth nodded. “I’d figured.” Sterling gave her a searching look, as if surprised. Mieryth noted it but went on. “What’s the younger Bandar like?”

“Charming. Handsome. Tends to hop into bed with anyone who wiggles her hips at him. At least he did until he got married.” Mieryth snickered and Sterling continued. “He takes pride in his accomplishments, but is not overly prideful. He hunts, but only because he has to due to his station. He’d rather focus on swordplay; he’s taken several prizes at tournaments. He maintains and follows the law.” Sterling thought for a second. “He does bend it occasionally, though.”

“There is something that’s been nagging at me about the Bandars.”

“Oh?”

“No one’s ever told me their names.”

Sterling looked at her for a long moment, then burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the walls of the courtyard. “That’s quite an accomplishment. To be hired to serve people you don’t even know the names of. I guess no one thought you needed to be told.”

“I’m from Ellendahl; I have no idea of the local nobility.”

He nodded, calming down. “I know. No one made the connection, though. The elder Bandar is Coldan. His son is Camyrn. Camyrn’s wife is Taryn.”

“So it will be Camyrn and Taryn living here. Do you know anything about Taryn?”

“She’s the eldest daughter of a very wealthy merchant. Just shy of nobility.”

“I suppose that would explain why she’s never had a body servant. Have you seen her?”

Sterling nodded and gave her an appraising look. Mieryth returned his look with a raised eyebrow. Sterling shook his head. “I hope she doesn’t mind a maid who is better looking.”

Despite herself, Mieryth blushed. “I’m good at fading into the background.” Sterling looked skeptical and she added, “The livery will help.”

Sterling shrugged. “If you say so. You’re the local expert in the field.”

Mieryth knew if she didn’t say something, the silence would become awkward. She didn’t want awkwardness between them. Her mind chose that moment to go blank. Fortunately, Sterling provided a new topic.

“There’s a rumor the manor is haunted.”

“Oh? That could be interesting.”

“One of the first floor maids said she saw a face peer out of a wall, then disappeared.”

“That must have been a shock.”

Sterling laughed. “I think they heard her scream in the city. No one else has seen anything peculiar, though, and some of the other servants are starting to say it was a bid for attention.”

“Hmm. Pretty desperate. Who was it?”

“Crysta. I doubt you’ve met her, yet.”

“Small? Brown hair, brown eyes? Moves like a cat?”

“That’s her.”

“No, we haven’t met. Armina pointed her out on our way to Taryn’s suite. She’s cute enough not to need a gimmick.”

“True. But she’s recently broken up with a boyfriend.”

Mieryth shrugged. “I think it might be interesting to hear what she has to say.”

“That’s up to you. Personally, I don’t believe in ghosts.”

“You don’t?” Mieryth was nearly shocked into reverting to Rhysa. Ghosts were just as real as dragons; she’d actually met a couple during her training. Lady Kasteryn had asked them to help find something.

“Of course not.”

“What do you mean ‘of course not’?”

“Can you honestly tell me you’ve seen one?”

Mieryth almost said, “Yes.” But that would have been Rhysa, not Mieryth. Mieryth had never seen a ghost, and it would scare her witless if she did. She sighed. “No.”

“Let me know when you do. I’d like to meet him.”

“Right. I’ll do that. Along with the next dragon that happens by.”

Sterling laughed. “You do that. I think it would be interesting meeting a dragon.”

“You think so, hmm? You wouldn’t be scared?”

“Oh. Probably. But it would be interesting nonetheless. What about you? Would you like to meet a dragon?”

Mieryth suppressed a twitch. “I’m not sure. I’ve heard they eat people.”

“I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.”

“Hmm. I wonder. The only people I know of who have actually met a dragon were elves.”

Sterling’s face darkened. “Elves.” He very nearly spat the word.

“You don’t like them much.”

“Why should I?”

“Why not?”

Sterling growled. “I have my reasons.”

Mieryth nodded and waited.

“They’re animals. Doing nothing but create ghettos and strut around like they’re better than anyone. I can’t believe the city council only pushed them out of the city. They should have killed every elf they found.”

Mieryth’s eyes widened at Sterling’s vehemence. It seemed out of character. There was something feeding his hatred; it went far beyond simple bigotry.

“Umm.” Mieryth was at a loss for words. Something of her confusion must have communicated itself to Sterling. He visibly took control of himself, and gradually the mask of hatred bled from his face.

“Sorry. Elves are something of a sore spot with me.”

“I noticed,” Mieryth said dryly.

The corner of his mouth twitched. “I don’t like non-humans, but I can tolerate them. Elves, though, that’s a different issue.”

“Well, let’s avoid it for now.”

“Afraid I’ll go ballistic on you?”

“Something like that.” If he got violent, Mieryth couldn’t be sure Rhysa wouldn’t respond. Once Rhysa got out, the rest of her identity would, too. She had to avoid that, or at least delay it as long as possible.

“Well. The ghost, if it exists, is in the area your permanent bedroom is. Crysta sleeps in the room across from yours.”

Mieryth stood and walked around the fountain, examining it from all sides. Most fountains she’d seen were sculptures of fish spouting water, or someone “pouring” water from a pitcher, or even, obscenely, a man “urinating”. This fountain, though, did not depict a particular figure. It was an abstract creation of cubes and spheres, with the water issuing from the very peak and washing down the sides. It looked like nothing she’d ever seen--yet there was something familiar about it. Something about it disturbed her. “What’s this supposed to be?”

Sterling glanced at it and shrugged. “I’m not sure. I think it’s new. It certainly doesn’t look older than seven years or so. How do you like the Manor?”

“Classical, but boring, architecture. The people are all right. I haven’t been out on the grounds, yet, but they look like a good place to explore.”

“Huh. If you’re as succinct in your tasks as you were just now, I don’t think Taryn will have anything to complain of.”

“I can be diplomatic.”

Sterling laughed. “I’m sure. I take it as a compliment you feel you can be blunt with me already.”

She gave him a wry look, then turned her attention back to the fountain. It was going to bother her until she figured out what was so familiar about it. She kept her eyes on the fountain, but she focused all attention on Sterling. “As long as I don’t bring up elves, right?”

Sterling’s face froze as he tried not to let any emotion show; nonetheless, Mieryth saw his body hunch slightly. She could read hatred easily enough. To her surprise, though, his head moved slightly, as if he barely stopped himself from looking around. What was he afraid of? The whole incident took place in less than a second. Even so, the pause before he said, “Right,” was noticeable, if only just. She’d have to keep an eye out for clues.

Sterling stood; his body language betrayed nervousness. “Do you dance?”

Mieryth very nearly burst out laughing, but she couldn’t laugh in his face, it might crush him. “Yes, Sterling, I dance.”

His attempt at a casual nod came out as a wooden bob of his head. “I want to check on something. I’ll see you around.”

Rhysa raised her eyebrows at his back. Interesting. She wondered what he would say if he ever found out she wasn’t human. Well. She would deal with that if it became an issue. In the distance, she heard the clatter of horses and what sounded like half an army. She glanced one last time at the fountain, then turned to go see what the commotion was, resuming her Mieryth persona.

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