Clarysa couldn’t believe her ears. Stellan seemed so rational and calm. “Still, what a terrible ordeal.”
Gretchen placed a comforting hand on Clarysa’s. “The important thing now is he’s back with us and sworn off that wicked magick for good, aside from a few medicinal herbs here and there. After all, who knows what the gods extract from a man’s soul every time a mortal defies them?” She sipped her tea, looking thoughtful.
Clarysa nodded, her stomach fluttering anxiously. Yes, who knows? And there I was asking him to perform simple tricks like a child would. Memories of the conjured rose flooded her mind. What price will he pay for that, I wonder? The thought chilled her bones.
Clarysa cleared her throat. “How did you survive after that? I mean, with the snow and all.”
“Well, we shared what little we had with Stellan, stretching our provisions for days and days our first month. Eventually, Besnik was forced to leave to find supplies. He returned just in time, too, for we’d had nothing but water for the two days prior. It was rougher than you’d ever believe.”
“Where is your husband, if I may ask? Did he go with Stellan and the others?”
A melancholic expression passed over Gretchen’s face. “He passed on many years ago. Bad heart.”
Clarysa’s voice grew hoarse. “Oh, I’m so sorry. After all you’ve been through.”
Gretchen patted her hand briefly. “Don’t be, child. I’ve been blessed. Besides, he lives on through our two beautiful children.” She swallowed more tea. “Now where was I? Oh, yes, how we survived. Months passed before the young prince ever said a word. But one day, as I sat alone nursing Ghyslain by this hearth, Stellan appeared at the doorway. He tried to act all formal and haughty, but I knew there was a needy boy underneath his bluster.
“So I invited him in and we drank tea–much like we’re doing now. I asked him if there were something on his mind. Let me tell you, his words came tumbling out so fast it was like a dam had burst! Would we please stay and live here and help take care of the castle, he said. He would protect us. Truth be told, I nearly laughed in his face. How was this skinny pole of a boy going to protect us, let alone a flea? Then he told me about his powers, slight as they were. I don’t know if you’re aware, but a sorcerer’s abilities grow stronger once he reaches manhood. Or womanhood, if she’s female.”
Clarysa shook her head. “The only things I know about the people of the Western Wastes are what I’ve heard through tales.”
“Well, consider yourself informed. To this day, I wonder if Stellan was disastrously naive, for the boy had nothing, like I said. Then, before I could answer, he asked for our allegiance. ‘You must never leave me,’ he demanded. ‘You will belong to me, and I to you.’” Gretchen sighed. “Serious words from one so young. To stay would mean a whole lifestyle change, and for nomads like us, that idea was hard to swallow. But we owed him much. I found it difficult to turn aside such generosity. With Ghyslain so young, it made sense for us to stay put for a while. So I discussed it with Besnik, and we agreed to remain for a year.” Gretchen smiled grimly. “That year stretched into fourteen more.”
The fire spit and crackled during the subsequent silence, sending an amber cascade up the chimney. After a few minutes, Clarysa ventured to speak. “So you became like…like his family.”
Gretchen nodded. “So we did. Besnik and Froll helped Stellan make repairs as best they could. But the castle seemed to have a mind of its own. They would fix one part and another would disintegrate before your very eyes. Nevertheless, Patrulha and I spent our days making the living quarters as comfortable as possible. But we always ended up back in the kitchen!
“Eventually, Stellan’s guard dropped, and he spent most of his time with us. I’m sure he wouldn’t admit it to you yet, but I remember countless hours he spent tending to our son. Ghyslain adores him. Though he may appear cold and distant, the prince is not arrogant. He cooks and cleans and mends along with the best of us.” Gretchen laughed. “Not exactly the picture that comes to mind when you think of your usual royal, is it?”
Clarysa smiled. No. Stellan was unlike any man she’d ever met.
“Now,” Gretchen continued, “even as a teenager, Patrulha was already an imposing figure of a female. Over the next several years, Besnik trained both her and Stellan in the art of swordsmanship and fighting.”
“And so he made her Captain?”
“Uh-huh. They’re very close. Same age, in fact. In those days they were downright inseparable. Used to ride off together to heaven knows where. And when Besnik died, Patrulha took it awfully hard. Stellan guided her through a difficult time.”
“And what of Froll? I remember you mentioning him a few moments ago.”
“Oh, he’s been wonderful! Took up Besnik’s place without a single complaint. Though I don’t mind saying I feel a wee bit guilty, for I never had feelings for him like I did Besnik. But I think he’s found himself a lovely woman in the village. He’s been our connection to the outside world all these years. I don’t know what we’d’ve done if he hadn’t encouraged Stellan to market his special potions and such. He sells them to the merchants and travelers in the village, along with what little knickknacks and jewelry I can cobble together.”
“And that’s your
