Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #13 April 2015 | Page 177
Ethan took the envelope and the merchant palmed the
gold coins he’d been given in exchange. The envelope
was tucked into Ethan’s pocket and the merchant took
his leave. Brian didn’t even bat an eye. “Somehow I
knew Father would find a way to prosper.”
“He never gave up hope we’d find you, Brian.”
Margaret looked around herself and quietly took
charge. “Reginald, your brother and his friend are
invited to use the spare rooms in my home if they so
desire. I’ll contact my sister and have her meet with us
there. I’m afraid there’s no room for your other friends
unless they wish to sit on the floor.”
One of Reginald’s friends bowed slightly. “Madam, as
long as we can assist our friends in any way, we don’t
much mind what we sit on.”
Ethan chuckled quietly and Margaret smiled. “Well
then, gentlemen, if you’ll come with me?”
Margaret was a retired schoolmarm and it wasn’t
uncommon for her to be leading groups of younger
men around the city. Her specialties had been geography and mapping. Brian and Ethan, however, caused
people to start whispering behind their hands. One
overzealous lad went so far as to step in front of Miss
Margaret and her companions.
“Begging your pardon, Miss Margaret, but might I
inquire as to who these two strangers are?”
Margaret raised her head and pointed at him with her
folded fan. “You may inquire but it is up to them if
they answer. Have you no manners, Charles!?”
Ethan laughed. “It’s all right, madam, we don’t mind
answering. He does need to brush up on his manners
though, I’ll grant you that.”
Brian had long since loosened the top button on that
stuffy frilled shirt he’d been forced to wear and he was
the one who answered the question. “I am Brian Fairchild of Marshlight, brother to Reginald Potterfield.
And this is the son of my liege lord, Ethan Driscoll.”
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Charles remembered his manners and bowed deeply.
“You honor our fair city with your presence, sir.”
Margaret nodded slightly. “That’s better.”
Ethan smiled. “In future do remember your manners
when addressing other people... They won’t be as genteel about it as we are.”
“I’ll remember sir, I promise. Have a good day, Miss
Margaret.”
He bowed again and stepped aside so they could
continue their progress. It wasn’t long before the
whole city knew Ethan and Brian were there. Margaret
opened the door to her house and they filed in quietly.
Boots were scrubbed off on the mat inside the door so
they wouldn’t have to remove them. The last one in
gently shut the door and they found various places to
sit. Reginald went with Margaret into the kitchen.
Brian and Ethan moved back so they could talk without being overheard. Brian leaned in close to Ethan’s
ear. “Thank you so much for finding me... If we were
in other surroundings I’d thank you properly.”
Ethan smiled and spoke softly. “There’s plenty of time
for that later.”
Brian’s smile was music to Ethan’s heart. Reginald
came out of the kitchen and pointed down the hallway.
“The extra rooms are on the right. Aunt Margaret’s
been a widow for five years, God bless her.”
“Thank you Reginald. Are you off to contact your
mother then?”
Reginald saw how awkward it was for Brian to say
that. “Yes. I think it’s a fair assumption that either she
or my father will have an unusual reaction to what
Aunt Margaret has to tell them.”
Margaret came out as well and spoke rapidly. “Hurry,
Reginald, it’s nearly the end of the business day. Bring
them both here as quickly as possible. I want the same
answers you do.”