He raised his hand. “Hello, Martha!” he said casually.
“Lasgol, master!” she cried. “What a wonderful surprise!”
“It’s my pleasure,” he said with a broad smile, and spread his arms to hug his beloved housekeeper.
Martha forgot all trace of formality the moment she saw his open arms and hugged him tightly, revealing all the affection she felt for him.
“Let me see you properly!” she said, pushing him away a little but not letting go of him. She looked him up and down several times.
“Of course,” he smiled as he submitted to her inspection.
“You’re older. More grown-up,” she said bluntly.
Lasgol laughed. “I feel just the same.”
“No, not the same at all. You’re a grown man. You’re your father’s spitting image from a distance, but at close range I can see your mother’s face in yours.”
“Really?” Lasgol said, eager for her to say more.
“When I saw you arrive, I thought for a moment I was seeing Dakon.”
“Hearing that makes me glad. Really glad.”
“You haven’t been wounded in the war, and you’re coming back because of that? Or are you on leave?”
“Neither. I’m just passing through. Another mission’s waiting for me.”
“Let me guess, you’re leaving at dawn?”
Lasgol smiled and nodded. “You’re half-way to being a seer.”
“But what kind of life do you people have in the Rangers? Can’t you come back home and rest for a few days? It’d be the sensible thing to do. Particularly after a war. Who knows what you’ve seen and been through? I don’t even want to think about it.”
“The kingdom needs us now, more than ever. There’s a lot to do.”
“That’s true … this county has suffered a lot.”
“The whole West has, in fact the whole of Norghana.”
“Let’s not talk about suffering. Today’s a day for celebration. The master of the house is back. Come in! I’ll prepare a meal worthy of a king for you!”
“As long as it’s worthy of a Ranger, it’ll be enough.”
“No way!” she said, almost offended. “What kind of housekeeper would I be if I didn’t prepare the best possible banquet when my master comes home after so long?”
Lasgol smiled gratefully. “It’ll be very welcome,” he admitted. He had not eaten a hearty meal for a long time.
Martha pointed to Ona, who was waiting behind Lasgol. “I didn’t want to say anything … but that snow panther belongs to you, right?”
“She’s not exactly mine, she’s my familiar. She comes with me and protects me. You see, at the Shelter I got the title of Specialist Ranger as Beast Whisperer and Tireless Tracker. That’s why she’s with me.”
“Oh … Beast Whisperer … it sounds interesting, but dangerous. Is she tame?”
Lasgol shook his head. “Not tame, but she is very well trained. Don’t worry, she won’t do anything to you or cause any damage.”
“Will she come inside?” she asked, hoping Lasgol would say no.
“Yes, wherever I go she goes.”
“Of course, master knows what’s best.” Martha forced a smile, but it was clear that the idea of having a great cat in the house was not really to her taste, and she could not hide the look on her face. Lasgol did not blame her. Who in their right mind would want a snow panther inside the house? Only a Ranger.
“And the other creature?” She had lowered her voice so that nobody could hear her, even though they were alone in the house. “The magical creature … Camu … was that his name?”
I’m here! Camu appeared at Martha’s feet, and she leapt backwards with the shock.
Camu, don’t be mischievous! Lasgol chided him.
She call. I appear.
You have to warn people first … you startle them.
You warn, I appear.
Oh dear … Lasgol snorted. “He’s with us too,” he said to Martha.
“I have to admit, every time you come for a visit, you bring some very interesting companions. Speaking of which, how’s Viggo? Everything all right? I liked him very much, even though he’s a bit of a scoundrel.”
Lasgol laughed. “Yeah, he’s one of a kind, no doubt about that. He’s fine. The same as ever, with that very individual personality and unique charisma of his. Of course, he goes from one tangle to another.”
Martha laughed. “I can picture that very well, the rogue! Let’s go inside.”
“I’ll just take Trotter to the stable, then I’ll be with you.”
“I can do it, Master,” she offered.
“Don’t ‘master’ me, it’s Lasgol,” he said with a smile.
“All right, Lasgol.”
“A Ranger looks after his horse first, then himself.”
Martha nodded and went into the house.
I go with Martha.
Fine, but be good.
I always good.
Yeah … yeah …
Lasgol groomed Trotter, fed him, and brought him dry straw so that he would be comfortable. Ona watched meanwhile from the stable door.
Rest, my friend, you’ve earned it, Lasgol transmitted, and gave the pony a couple of affectionate pats.
Back to the house, he opened the door to let Ona in. They found Camu and Martha in the kitchen. Camu was lying at full length on the table, eating greens.
“The poor thing looked starved,” Martha said with a nod at the creature.
“This little rascal isn’t poor one little bit.” Lasgol scratched Camu’s head, and the creature closed his bulging eyes in gratitude.
“Sit down at the table and tell me everything you’ve been through all this time you’ve been away. I’m sure you’ve had some incredible experiences.”
Lasgol smiled back at her and sat down. Ona lay down at his feet under the table like an enormous puppy: one who could tear off half a man’s arm in a single bite or slash. Feeling grateful for Martha’s words, he looked around and suddenly felt very good. He was in the kitchen of his own house, sitting at the table with Martha preparing some delicious
