The Pages Pursuit Part 2: by Pent Ghelsburg
Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters. You have been warned.
A crowing rooster cawed at the rise of the sun. Blazing warm light peered through the wooden slats of the closed window. The young chipmunk boy stirs as a light rapping at the door leading to his chamber is disturbed.
"My page, it is time." Goodwoman Brown chirped softly at him from beyond the door.
Yawning and stretching, the boy slowly rose from his best. Rubbing his eyes briefly, he gently reached forward to open the cover of his window. Opening with a muffled thud, the wooden frame tapped against the outside of the manor. Immediately, he was assaulted by the brightness of the light. Squinting, the rodent turned his gaze away before easing himself to the edge of his bed. The boy slowly got up, ready to start his day once again.
Xavier saw that his morning garments had already been laid out for him. Freshly cleaned and sun-dried long enough that there were few wrinkles. A red and white striped tabard, with a matching checkered linen undershirt that was somewhat loose-fitting. His trousers, a woolen pair of braies that were thinner and tighter against his form. Getting changed, he slipped from his pajamas and into his everyday attire.
Looking at the only mirror in his room, he fixed his tunic so that it was straight. Unkempt members of the house of higher stations were frowned upon. He had been punished in the past for such things and had learned his lesson. Sliding on a tabard over it, the cub tied it around his waist with a leather strap. Gazing at his reflection again, he slid on some silken socks and half ankle-length toe-tipped boots. He felt he was ready for the day and prepared for whatever would be thrown at him.
The chipmunk made his way out of his room and into the main hall of the manor. Early morning light filled the stone masonry of the halls. The occasional silver fineries that lined the walls shone a reflective glare against the floor. Several granite statues cast their shadows over the intricate rugs that lined their way down the hall. The largest of which, a statue paying homage to the patron champion of the house. As he stood there looking at it, he recalled the story of old.
Chancellor Bai Mei, or Mei as he was now called, was one of the founding members of the Ibelin house. A championed mouse whose name and story beckoned far beyond his age several generations prior. To those of the house, Mei was known for his staunch but firm leadership. Establishing the core principles of the Ibelin edict. Many of his policies had lasted through the years and even unto this day. But to those outside the manor, Mei was called by another name, the "Unvanquished."
Before Mei founded the halls of Ibelin, he was but one of many challengers in the Wars of Conquest in the earlier centuries. The rodent had been taken hostage when his homeland of Xiao was beset by the forebringers of Ibelin. The sundered and many war Kings of the West had set into the East in hopes of extending their land holdings and gaining wealth as well as power. Mei was but a young soldier at this point in his life, and had been charged as but one of many to take up the defense of the Grand Kingdom of Xiao.
The war was a short conflict, as Xiao was but a humble independent state that had been ravaged by Civil War. Its defenses were already weakened by the generations of conflict within its walls. The invaders were foreigners, and so even despite the long-lasting unrest that all but the youngest knew. Mei took up his spear, along with many other militia men and women, to defend the city. Their numbers were few, but Xiao was a nation built on martial prowess, and so they were able best many of their peers.
The invasion of Xiao lasted but several days. The city walls were besieged by ballistas and catapults that easily tore them down. Yet the invaders launched ever still, even as their own soldiers besieged the city proper. Mei and his cohorts defended to their utmost ability, taking far more of the enemy than they did of the host. Yet as night fell on the final day, many were exhausted, and the man and many others were taken hostage.
Xiao fell that night, becoming a vassal state to the Jong. Until that night, the people of that land had only heard that name mentioned, but after that, it would become a stain on history for those who survived. Mei was taken that night to the camp where other war prisoners were being held. Their stay was short, only several days beyond the fall of Xiao. Soon, they found themselves being carted away by caravan to unknown lands.
They soon found themselves in Jong's sister state of Ren. Mei, or any other of his cohort, had never been to Ren before. A much larger city than Xiao, with the Grand Palace of Jiali Ren at the center. It was still late at night, and the dirt-paved roads were lit by candle flame or the light of the moon. Mei and his cohort were escorted under the shroud of darkness through the alleys of the town.
Soon they found themselves approaching a large building, a circular amphitheatre, where they were escorted to the holding cells. Inside, burly beasts snorted and grunted at them from within the confines of bamboo-thicketed cells. Kept there but for a single fortnight, served but a simple meal of mead, gruel, and sloppy overcooked vegetables in some flavorless broth. Mei and his cohort would have a sleepless night that night.
The next morning, Mei awoke to find his cohort missing. Bewildered, the mouse looked around but saw only armed guards approaching his cell. Soon, he found himself whisked away by the same men who brought him through a thin set of corridors. The sandstone-lined, brick halls arched over him, taking him through a tunnel. Eventually leading him to an open area where he found himself among other prisoners.
Soon, they were informed of their purpose. They were to fight to the death in the Great Halls of Strife. Given only a singular weapon, no armor, and a shield if they saw fit. The prize for winning such a tournament was not just their life but one request to be asked as of the Emperor. Freedom was, of course, the first thing on Mei's mind, not just for him but the rest of his cohort, no matter where they might be.
Mei would fight later that afternoon, selecting but a staff. He had no intent of killing anyone, and instead would subdue them to submission in hopes of gaining favor with this foreign ruler. Taking it upon himself to beat every one of the competitors put against him. Each more bloodthirsty than the last. Mei kept himself a defensive guard, only taking a strike when they lowered their own.
The young mouse at first shocked the crowd with his tactics. They had never seen anyone so adept with a staff before, let alone engage in a defensive style of fighting. Merely tapping on vital points of his opponents, only to send them to the ground with great glee. The Emperor and his entourage watched with interest as Mei overcame each challenge one by one. At the end, the young mouse was declared the victor, and he was granted his wish.
Mei would return home with his cohort to Xiao, but it had been razed. Instead, building a new foundation at what would become Cipelia. Establishing the Guild Halls, Manor, Town Center, and the city walls. His cohort would help to build the rest of the city, and so too it would begin to grow in both size and population. Within time, it became a fledling Fiefdom that only had to pay tribute to Ren. Such was the tale of its Foundation, and all who lived there knew it well.
Xavier continued beyond the statues and out of the Manor. It was a bright day, and the blazing sunlight peered through the few clouds in the sky. A few birds flew by, fluttering to and fro, singing the same morning tune that they often did. The cub took a deep breath of fresh air, allowing the nearby potent floral scent to overpower his sense of smell. A gentle breeze carried across his body as if urging him to continue forward.
The boy began his walk into the town proper. Passing right by the Gilded Blacksmith's quarters, where a younger Bison greeted him. It was one of the only members of any of the Guilds that he knew by name. Pizeka, as she was known, was a large and burly Bison who had only a handful of apprentices. The middle-aged woman preferred to do work of her own accord, seldom allowing them to work without her supervision.
Padding over towards her, Xavier gave her a quick wave. As usual, her already black fur was covered in soot. Wearing the typical apron over her slops and naught but a simple undershirt to prevent from getting overheated. Already she was tapping away at her newest project, hammering at hot iron to shape it into some weapon that Xavier couldn't quite make out. She stopped her work as the younger boy approached her.
"Oy, boyo. Ow' goes?" The woman's speech was often seen as brash despite meaning well.
The smaller cub smiled up at her. "Good. What are you working on?"
"Jus' a 'ammer. Want a whack at 'er?" She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.
The chipmunk shrugged. "Sure. I'll give it a try."
Walking over toward her, the page took position behind the anvil where Pizeka had been standing previously. The bison looked at him for a moment before exchanging her own work hammer for something smaller. Handing it over to him, he showed him how to grip it properly. Xavier slammed down the hammer on the piece in front of him. Each of them chiping away at its shape and deforming it further.
Pizeka gently took his arm and guided him through the motion. Surprisingly, her touch was gentle, even if the skin beneath her fur was rough from years of hard work. She helped him perform a much smoother and more fluid motion. Striking a cleaner hit against the piece, reshaping a bit back to the way it was supposed to be. Allowing him the same time or two more. A smile crept across her face as he got the hang of it.
"That'll do, boy." Pizeka tapped
him on the shoulder as she wanted to get back to work.
The brown-furred boy slowly stepped away from her. "Thanks for showing me how to do it."
Nodding at him, the bison said nothing and went about her work. Xavier continued down the dirt-paved streets of Ciphelia. Passing right through the open-air markets, where several vendors vied for his attention. The most distracting of which were some fresh loaves of bread that were out of the oven just recently. But the chipmunk paid them no attention as he wanted to get to the Alchemist's tower without further delay.
He continued past the market area and to the pier. A few boats had recently docked along the decks and were being tied up. The fresh catches of the day were being delivered from each of them to a loading bay at the end of the docks. A large pile of fish, crustaceans, and seaweed was being worked through. Xavier pinched his nose as he still wasn't quite used to the strong odors that carried across the pier.
Xavier moved past the dock to the Alchemist's Spire. Unlike the docks, it was without an activity. Its dark obsidian-based rock looked over the docks nearby, casting some of its shadow upon them. Very few of the fishermen, or anyone else for that matter, came over here. Yet the cub didn't have the suspicions that Alchemists were of the arcane or taboo. Of course, he had been told the rumors, but he wasn't naïve enough to believe them, even when they came from Lady Ib herself.
Looking at the large door, the same runes from the other day were inscribed on top of it. He examined it briefly before trying to knock on it. A muffled thud resounded through the building but was soon muffled out. Xavier waited a few moments, expecting the door to swing open, but it remained still. So the cub reached out once again, knocking at the door a second time. A few more moments passed, and still nothing.
Trying to take a step back, the chipmunk found his legs unable to move. Suspecting mischief, he looked at his feet and found a glowing rune beneath his person. Xavier recalled the portal from the other day and did not panic. Instead standing there and allowed the light to burn brightly around him. A flash soon followed, and the cub was blinded for a moment. Dimming after a few moments, it took him a few moments to regain his sight.
Finding himself back in the confines of the spire, he realized he was back on the middle floor of it. A black raven peered at him from within a hooded cloak. It's orange, but the battered beak was the only part of it that revealed its person. The elder man was sitting in a tarnished chair draped in the tapestry of the guild. Part of it was covering his lower half. Xavier peered at him as the others' grey eyes looked back at him.
"Greetings, child. I presume you come here for the poultice on behalf of Lady Ib?" The raven said with a somewhat raspy tone.
Xavier softly nodded. "Yes, Alchemist sir."
The fellow made a singular swipe of his wing. His black feathers fluttered off him toward the ground below. Movement from behind him soon followed as an obscured figure scurried about. Watching it closely, the rodent wondered who it might be. Standing there idly for a few moments as he waited for whatever they would bring him. The figure revealed itself; it was the white-furred fox cub from the other day.
"Here you are. Master Buni has concocted a fine solution for the ailment that has befallen Vamar. May it find him well." The taller boy brought a canvas sack with some herbs that had been mixed into a salve.
The chipmunk reached out to grab the sack from the other boy. "Thanks. Are there any instructions for it?"
"Nay, but that the poultice is to be consumed by a single sip per dose. The salve is be applied moderately at the head and wherever else pain might be felt." The fox boy answered before his elder master could do so.
Xavier nodded, understanding the simple directions. "Lady Ib sends her regards and appreciation for the commission."
"Of course, I will show you out since the door was not opened this morrow." Pent extended his arm forward to motion the other boy to make way.
Both of them began walking toward the stairs that led back down the spire. Neither said a word, and the only thing that could be heard was the constant pitter-patter of their feet. Xavier followed along to the bottom of the ramp, where the stairs emptied back out into the entryway. The fox made a few simple taps along the door, inscribing a simple rune along the backside of the door. As he did so, the engraving beneath his finger lit up, and the door began to budge.
The heavy obsidian stone scraped against the ground, pushing some of the dirt and sand that had collected beneath it. It took a few moments for the door to fully open, abruptly shuffling itself into an alcove that dug into the very foundation of the building. Xavier stepped outside the building but did not stray far from it before looking back. The fox was there in the door as if waiting for him to leave.
"Hey, uh…do you wanna see the manor sometime?" It was a question that felt weird the moment it slipped from the chipmunk's mouth.
The bigger boy peered back at him, curiously. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Like go Lady' Ib's manor. It is quite nice, and maybe we could play a game of Chess if you would like?" It was a game that the rodent had been taught when he was younger, and many in his station knew well.
Pent arched his eyebrow a bit. "That seems like a bad idea. Wouldn't your house not welcome my visit?"
"I will talk to Lady Ib. It's just I'm tired of not having other cubs around my own age. I don't think she would mind when I explain." The brown-furred boy thought it made enough sense.
The fox wasn't sure what to think of the request. "I will have to talk to the Master's about it."
"Sounds good. I will return in the afternoon, should it work out." Xavier waved to him, finally departing from the Alchemist's spire.
The chipmunk made his way back into the central part of town. Already in his mind, he was planning how to bring up the issue with Lady Ib. The thought of having someone to hang out with was simply too tempting to pass up. Heading back through the market, Xavier walked right by the weavers' guild, where the woman whom he had helped the other day hailed him.
"I'm so glad I caught ye' again." The feline bounded forward from the stall that the guild kept just outside its quarters.
Xavier wasn't expecting her and was caught somewhat off guard by her. "Do you need help with something again?"
"Nay, but the Guildmaster insisted on a reward for ye'. So have at ye." The woman held out a small purse of coins.
The rodent looked at them, knowing exactly what they were just from the sound of it. "As I said, that isn't necessary."
"Please take 'em. Even if you donate them, the master insists on such a payment ta be extended for da services rendered." The slender feline picked up the chipmunk's hand and clenched it closed with the pouch of coins within.
Huffing, the boy figured he didn't have much of a choice in the matter. "Alright, fine."
"Thank ye' again! Good day." The woman made her leave.
Xavier shuffled around the small pouch in his paw. There was no question in his mind that coins were inside. He didn't much care about how much it was. Deciding instead to run it over to the locally run lay confraternities. It was a charity designed to provide both a place to stay for those who had none, as well as giving small but healthy meals that were shared by the cooking guild. It was always left over, but it was far better than nothing for those who would starve otherwise.
He made his way to the "Food Hall," the place where such communal feasts were gathered. An establishment run by the local clergy of all faiths. The building was an older Mead Hall that had been converted after the practice had fallen out of favor. Inside its walls were well lit by torchfire, even during daylight. The slatted wooden framed windows were left open so that fresh air could get in. There was always someone out and about, but Xavier was looking for someone specific.
The main facilitator of the place hailed from the far east, a Bengal Tiger who was known among the community as the Caregiver. Xavier knew her well, Lasya, was usually his go-to when he came here. Despite only being a few summers older than the chipmunk, the girl had become well known in the almsgiving community. The chipmunk asked a few people until one of them told him where she was.
Finding her near the rear of the building, the cub waved to her. As usual, Lasya had a bright smile on her face. Her fangs had been dulled, and the blunted part of two of them showed from her maw. The woman wore her typical apron with a towel thrown over her shoulder. Working over a hot stove, stirring a recent serving of soup for some patrons. Many of the furs in front of here wore tattered clothes, but most of them kept themselves clean as communal washrooms in the place were offered.
"Greetings, young page. What brings you to this house of Alms?" The woman did not stop what she was doing and continued going about it.
The boy held out the small sack of coins. "I bring a donation for your purpose. May it serve you well."
"Are you certain? This seems like quite a few duckets." The tiger took it from him and weighed it in her palm.
Xavier shrugged. "It was given as payment to me when I asked for none. Please take it for the good of the community."
"Very well, good page. We appreciate your donation as always. Did you want to serve soup this morrow?" The older woman asked as the boy had done it a few times prior.
The younger cub shook his head. "Nay, I must return to Lady Ib and deliver this medicine."
"Thank you again. Fare thee well, good page." The woman returned to serving soup.
Xavier left the building, making his way back through the central
part of town. A few younger kids flitted through the streets, kicking a leather ball. It reminded him of the other day, making him want to join in a bit. Yet he knew that he needed to get back to the manor. Passing right by the old clock tower. The towering building cast its shadow upon the town, and a few of the residents were sitting underneath, enjoying the shade.
Heading his way into the gardens that led up to the manor, he noticed a few of the usual nobles were out and about. A sudden gust casted through the area, causing the tarp that shielded them to blow away. One of them shouted to a nearby attendant who was sent on a fetch quest to gather the thing. Yet, those of them with greater privilege remained still on their chairs. Xavier paid them no mind as he proceeded back into the manor proper.
Back inside the building, he found the place bustling with servants. Already, he could smell the aroma of whatever was being prepared for lunch. It had a pungent odor and smelled like a mix of some variety of mushroom stew, but he couldn't be sure. He looked around for someone he recognized. Though he saw many of the servants often, very few he knew by name. Only the ones who saw him daily were familiar with him, and he didn't like to be disrespectful.
Eventually, he found Goodman Ezra, an older spaniel who had been with House Ibelin for many decades. Now retired, the dog served only as an aid and no longer provided labor. He had been ushered in by Lady Ib herself, who personally requested his service be repaid in kindness. Nowadays, he had his own quarters separate from the rest of the servants. Xavier waved at him, trying to get his attention. Of course, the dog was blind, so it wasn't until the rodent tapped him on the shoulder that he got his attention.
"Hallo, is that Xavier I smell?" The dog almost always went by his sense of smell since he could no longer rely on his eyes.
The smaller boy nodded at him. "It is. How are you, Goodman Ezra?"
"Very well, thank ye. What brings you to the servants' quarters?" The elder man asked as he brushed some of his lanky fur back off his face.
The cub smiled at him. "I come looking for Lady Ib. Do you know where she is?"
"Lady Ib is at the hearth with Barnaby." The dog motioned toward it in case the boy wasn't familiar with the area.
The chipmunk patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks, have a nice day, Goodman Ezra."
Heading back beyond the servants' quarters, the rodent passed a few other furs. Goodwoman Brown was out and about doing her usual round of dishes and delivering various pieces of mail to people within the house. Others were doing the tasks they had been assigned by their superior. Xavier continued to the far edge of the manor, where the halls led to a more confined area. The smaller corridors fed into a closed-off room where Xavier found Lady Ib with Barbnaby.
Lady Ib was a tall woman, a brawny middle-aged mouse who wore a light blue kaftan with a hemp undershirt and cotton slacks underneath. The woman was often modest about her dress despite being of the upper class. Xavier approached them cautiously, always wary of interrupting his elders.
"If the blacksmiths are to curry favor with the state, then they must make more weapons, my lady." Barnaby ruffled back his lanky ears.
The rabbit was considered to be Lady Ib's closest advisor. The only lapine in all of the house to have ever won her support. An astute, well-read man who was known for being bookish. Thick glasses over his snout, adorned over an orange brigantine leather vest. Not worn for protection, but rather his sense of style was somewhat dated. His leather slacks short, crafted from fine wool with embroidered designs. His larger boots tipped, each of them made of felt, passed down by his family, who were of the Tailor's guild.
"I care not for the state. They are filled with foul fellows who create naught but problems for the realm. The parliament should oust them post haste." Lady Ib's tone was sharp and poignant.
The man next to her stared at the boy who stood behind her. "This must wait. We can finish this conversation later. I believe you have a visitor. "
The mouse looked behind her, noticing Xavier, who was holding the satchel of goods he'd collected from the Alchemist's Guild.
"Greetings, good Page. I see you have fetched the commission. Did the seers give you any difficulty?" The woman padded toward him.
The chipmunk shook his head. "Nay, my lady. 'Tis a simple task. But I have a request."
"A request? That is not like you. What of it? Speak your mind." The mouse collected the goods and handed them to Barnaby, who made his exit.
Xavier shuffled his feet nervously. "Would I be able to invite someone to the manor?"
"Invite someone to the manor? Why would I allow that? I only allow visitors on special occasions. This is not some hostel for stay. Explain yourself." The taller woman folded her arms defensively.
The brown-furred boy scratched the back of his head. "Because I met another boy at the Guild and I want him to see the manor and play chess with him,"
"Oh? Made a friend, did ye?" Lady Ib paused for a moment before continuing. "I suppose this is fine. So long as he is confined to your room and does not wander about. Is that clear?"
The smaller cub smiled at her. "Yes, of course, my lady. Thank you for this."
"Of course, I know there aren't any cubs here your age. It will be good for you to make a friend or two. The rest of the day is your own. Now off with you. I have matters to attend to with Barnaby. Lady Ib excused herself and made her way down the hall in the direction that the rabbit had gone.
Turning around, the boy exited from the hearth following his way back through the servants' quarters. Ezra was now getting a book ready for him by one of the younger staffers. Xavier tried to be as quiet as possible, as he didn't want to disrupt them. He continued through the halls back toward the entrance of the manor. Deciding to grab himself some lunch before he headed back out to the Alchemist's Spire.
Making his way toward the kitchen, he found the chef and her crew hard at work. All rats wearing the same apron with the house insignia on it. Many of them were cutting vegetables, stirring the contents of pots, or cleaning. The whole room was lively with activity. Xavier did not search for any of them to make food for him. It was something he only expected for dinner. For lunch, he knew he was on his own.
Xavier went to one of the side counters where there was enough free space for him to make something. Already, there were plenty of materials for him to use. Recently sharpened cutlery, other utensils, and tools were lying about. He grabbed a knife and sliced himself some ham and cheese, doing the same with some lettuce and tomato. Slapping it over some bread, it was a simple enough meal. He served himself some pottage to go along with it from one of the nearby pots.
He removed himself from the kitchen so that he wasn't in the way of anyone else. Sitting opposite some furs who he didn't know. It was obvious that they were servants by the clothes they wore, so the chipmunk wanted to make sure he didn't stir up anything. The rodent went about eating his food in silence, only making noise when he slurped on the soup from the pottage. The broth was especially rich with flavor, as much had gone into making it.
The chipmunk finished his meal and wiped his maw of the crumbs that had collected on his fur. He picked up his plate and brought it over to think, only briefly washing it over with some water before disposing of it. Finally, he exited from the mess hall, making his way back to the front of the building. Passing by Lady Ib and Barnaby, who were still discussing the same topic from before. Though the boy didn't overhear any of the conversation this time.
Exiting from the manor, Xavier made his way back into town. The markets were now much busier with activity. Several furs were out and about doing their weekly shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. No vendors vied for his attention, as many of them were busy with customers who were looking at or buying things from their shop. The chipmunk wasn't overly interested in any of it, at least until he passed by the Bakery.
The bakery was an open-door shop with many confections on display for people to look at. Oftentimes, the place offered taste tests, and Xavier had partaken in a few times before. Looking over, he saw the usual shopkeeper mucking about. The middle-aged anteater was a man he knew well enough. There were a few younger cubs in front of him. The elder male was handing each of them treats. The man was well known for having a soft spot for youngsters, and the rodent was fully aware of it.
"Greetings, Salomon. How fare thee?" The brown-furred boy approached the counter.
The anteater turned its head towards him. "Hoy, page. Welcome to my shop. What brings you this day?"
"Just seeing what you're offering to the others." The cub couldn't help but be curious.
The older male smiled at him before reaching on top of one of the counters to fetch the treats. "Always the sweet tooth, eh? Give it a try."
The anteater handed over a wrapped piece of candy to the cub. Xavier thanked him and smiled at him before taking the treat. Unwrapping it, he stuck the hard piece of candy in his maw. It was first sour, then bitter, but overall had a good taste to it. Puckering his lips a bit, he had to get used to the taste. Eventually, chewing on it and swallowing it because it was a bit too much for him.
"Thanks, but it's a bit too sour for me." The chipmunk bowed to him.
Salomon chuckled at him. "Not a problem. Now get with ye. I have other cubbies to delight."
Xavier nodded and made his way toward the door, spying a singular baked good out of the corner of his eye. Looking at it, the thing appeared to be some sort of pastry with frosting
on top of it.
"How much is the pastry, Sal?" The boy had an idea that popped into his mind as he left.
The anteater looked toward him. "Oh, the strudel? Ye' can have it for 2 livres."
The chipmunk reached into his pockets and pulled out two copper coins. Tossing them over to the man, the older male was easily able to catch them while tending to others.
"Thank ya for your patronage. See ye' on the morrow." It was the same farewell he said to many of his loyal customers.
The brown-furred boy fetched the pastry from the cabinet. They were always unlocked, as Salomon was one of the few vendors who weren't worried as much about thieves. Often going out of his way to hand out free goods and food to those in need. Xavier put the streudel into a bag before exiting the store. Continuing to make his way through the central part of town, he made his way back toward the Alchemist's Spire.
As he approached the docks, he saw an unfamiliar fishing boat tied up on the pier. The unfamiliar design of the vessel and ornate carvings on its side made it clear it wasn't from around here. A singular dark purple sail flapped in the wind as the boat quietly edged against the dock. Only one fur tended to the vessel, a burly younger boar whose battle-scarred face made it apparent that she was no mere sailor.
Xavier decided it was best to ignore the woman. He didn't want to start any problems or risk a misunderstanding. The woman was chewing on some jerky, paying no attention to the cub. A sharpened axe was holstered on the side of her belt. Weapons were permitted in the town, but to brandish them was not allowed. Keeping his distance from her, the rodent did not look toward her as he edged along the far side of the pier.
There it was yet again. The alchemist's spire towered over the pier. The place always seemed out of place, and a bright purple light emanated from on top of it. The illumination seemed foreign to Xavier as he did not recall it from before. He briefly gazed at it for a moment, but the little ball of light faded after a short moment of remaining there. Continuing forward, he noticed that the door to the place was open.
Peering inside, the cub couldn't help but be curious. Certainly something had to be going on, he thought to himself. Within, he saw an unfamiliar person standing in front of a desk. They were wearing the garb of the city guard. The lanky Zebra stood idly at an empty desk, tapping its hooves. The man didn't even notice the younger boy approaching him from behind.
"Is anyone around?' The boy asked gently not to surprise the other.
The larger male turned around sharply. "Eh? Nay. I'm waiting for Master Buni."
"Hmm, I wonder where they could be." The chipmunk scratched his chin gently.
The officer shrugged. "I know not. Perhaps they went to collect herbs or other materials. Those of the cloth work in mysterious ways beyond my understanding."
"But would they leave the door open if they left?" Xavier couldn't help but be curious about it.
The zebra arched his eyebrow at the boy. "They likely plan on selling goods or services. Besides, most of the community avoids this place."
"Alright, I'm gonna go see if I can find them. I'll let them know you're here if I do." The brown-furred boy waved before turning around to exit.
The older male bowed. "Most appreciated."
Exiting from the tower, the cub looked around in both directions. Not many other furs were around except for those working around the pier. Then he spotted a few hooded furs standing over by the same woman he had passed moments ago. The alchemists stood in front of her, and the boar had her hand around one of them. A noticeably smaller one stood behind the action, reaching into its pocket.
A momentary quick motion from that one, throwing the contents of a vial onto the woman before it. The flash of white fur making it apparent it was the boy from before. No longer was the boar moving. The fur who had been grabbed backed away, flapping its wing once as a few members of the city guard came to collect her. Without a word, the raven turned, showing its face. Simply nodding to the fox boy next to him.
Xavier smiled as they turned toward him. Their faces becoming more visible the closer they got. Behind them, the city guard escorted the boar away, leaving the boat without a watch. The rodent waited as the trio of Alchemists headed towards him. The elderly raven looked at him warily as he approached again.
"Yer back? Did you need additional services?" Master Buni folded his wings across his chest.
The white fox gently touched him from behind. "He's here to see me."
"I see. Very well, alcolyte. Have at ye." The raven continued forward into the spire with the other underling behind him.
The brown-furred boy smiled at the other cub. "So uh…Lady Ib said you can come to the manor if you like. Do you want to come?"
"Oh, yes, but I must ask permission first. Though I have finished my morning tasks already, so I don't think it will be a problem." The taller cub's tail wagged behind him gently before he walked back toward the spire.
Xavier waited a few moments until the white-furred fox boy returned, this time with his hood down. The cubs face sky blue eyes squinted against the sunlight peering down upon him. The bigger boy approached the other.
"Master Buni says that I may go but that I must return by the eve." Pent approached the smaller boy before standing alongside him.
The rodent nodded. "Very well. Shall we?"
The two boys began walking away from the spire. As they walked through the central part of town, some of the villagers eyed them. It wasn't every day you saw members of the cloth with the upper class. The difference in the two boys' clothes made it apparent from which houses they hailed. None of them stared for very long as they had other things to do. Neither Xavier nor Pent seemed to notice it.
As they got closer to the manor, the fox cub was feeling a bit nervous. Pent had never been to the manor before. It had always been one of those places that he viewed as off-limits. His steps slowed the moment they got within a close enough distance to see the bigger building unobstructed. Of course, Xavier noticed the sudden hesitation and turned around.
"Is something wrong?" The brown-furred boy asked the other one.
The bigger cub shuffled his feet in the dirt. "I'm just nervous. I've never been to the manor before. Is there anything I shouldn't do?"
"Oh, don't worry about that. The rules of decorum are not something that is strictly enforced upon visitors." Xavier placed his hand on the other boy's shoulder to ease his tension.
Pent slowly eased his gaze to look over at the other cub. "I guess, but even still, I don't want to mess anything up or make you look bad."
"It will be fine. Only Lady Ib is the only one allowed to judge me. I won't let anyone bother you." The brown-furred boy motioned for the other to follow him.
The fox nodded before falling behind him again. Walking into the gardens just beyond the walls of the manor, the white-furred cub couldn't help but look around. All of the greenery was freshly cut this morning, as there was still debris on the ground below it. Some workers nearby were cleaning up, and a few of them were making last stitch cuts or snaps to make it all one fluid shape. Nearby, the fountain was being tended to with but one collecting leaves from the water.
Entering the manor, Pent was taken aback by the size of it. Even the entrance was grand compared to what he was used to. The granite-lined floors had intricate carvings on them, unlike anything he had ever seen. The statues seemingly staring him down looked like real people, even if they were enlarged beyond their actual representations. To the fox, even the ceiling seemed to be custom-made as its pattern was completely foreign to the boy.
"Come on, I'll show you to my room." The chipmunk gently tapped on the other boy to gain his attention.
Pent returned his attention in front of him and nodded. They proceeded through the long hall. The few servants they passed all looked at the fox cub, whom they hadn't seen. His robes made it apparent from what station he came from. Yet there was no taboo permitted on these grounds, at least when he was in the presence of the Page. Following down the long hallway, Xavier soon led him into his room and showed him inside.
Looking around, the white-furred boy was nothing short of astounded. Xavier's room was much larger than his own. The bed had a luxurious plush blanket on it, neatly made from top to bottom. Beneath it was an imported rug with finely embroidered designs on it, tasselled on the ends with frilly attachments. Even the floor was decadent with its freshly cleaned wooden grains shining against the sunlight.
On the sides of the room, a large wardrobe lined the wall. Next to it were several smaller ones, each of them with small trinkets the boy had been given. A bronze-laden medallion hung around a ring, encrusted with the house symbol on it. Even if it wasn't gold it was far more bedazzled than anything the fox had seen before. The boy couldn't help but gawk at some of it as it was well beyond the means in which he lived.
"So what do you think of my room?" The chipmunk turned around to look at the other cub.
Pent took a few moments before responding. "It's nice. It's a lot nicer than my room is."
"Thanks, did you want to play chess or something?" The rodent wasn't sure what the other boy was into and suggested the first thing that came to his mind.
The fox boy nodded as he took a few steps into the room. "Yeah, sure."
Xavier turned around towards one of the chests, which was where he kept his things. A large mahogany box with his initials engraved on it. The chipmunk reached inside of it, pulling out a smaller wooden box. He gently blew on it as some dust scattered from its surface. The chipmunk
brought it over to a nearby table, where he cleared it off to make space for the game. He placed it on the surface, motioning for the other cub to join him with his other paw.
The fox joined him, taking a seat in the one opposite to the other cub. He helped his new friend set up the pieces, taking white for himself. The game started before long. Xavier didn't consider himself very good at chess, but he was familiar enough with the game to feel confident he could hold his own. Looking at the fox's face, he could tell the other boy was already deep in thought.
The game started before long. Xavier wasn't really sure what to expect as he had never played with someone his own age before. Several moves into it, the other boy was quickly outmatching him. Every move was met with a counter, and the chipmunk had already lost important pieces. By the fifth move, the fox had announced a check, and upon checking it, Xavier confirmed it was true.
"Wow, you're good at this game." The rodent said calmly, not disappointed by it.
The white-furred boy shrugged at him. "Thanks, I play a lot of chess at the Spire with the older Alchemists."
A few more moves later, and the game was over. The fox had come out on top, and Xavier hadn't taken even a single piece. Apparently, the other boy was better than he was letting on. The rodent couldn't help but stare at the board for a few moments. Only a select few pieces of his side of the board remained. The checkmate was all too obvious, and yet he had missed the opportunity to defend against it.
"Checkmate." Pent said with a straight face, not bothering to smile.
The smaller cub stammered a moment. "That was quick."
"Sorry." The fox cub scratched the back of his head nervously.
Xavier shook his head at him. "Nah, it's not a problem. I just wasn't expecting this to be over so quickly."
"Oh, alright. Did you want to play again?" The bigger boy said while twiddling his fingers in front of him."
The brown-furred cub nodded. "Sure, you're on."
They reset the board and placed the pieces back at their starting position. This time, swapping colors. The game began with different opening moves. Yet, it wasn't long before the fox was able to claim his first piece and then another. One by one, each of Xavier's pieces fell to the side of the board. This match ended even more quickly than the last, leaving him even more surprised at the result.
"You're too good for me…haha." The chipmunk felt a bit embarrassed that he had lost a second time.
The bigger cub shook his head at him. "Nah, you just need to learn a better strategy. It's just a matter of practice."
"Do you want to do something else?" The rodent didn't want to lose again.
The white-furred boy looked at him curiously. "What do you have in mind?"
Xavier fell silent for a few moments. He wasn't sure what else they could do. He hadn't had much of a chance to hang out with cubs his own age before. Even when he was younger, under the care of his parents, such things were rare. His father had groomed him for the position of page from a young age, and so his experience was limited. Still, the memory from the other day was still ripe in his mind, so quickly he responded the moment he thought about it.
"Wanna go kick a ball around outside?" The smaller cub felt strange even suggesting it, but it seemed fun enough even watching it.
The fox thought about it a moment. "Yeah, sure."
The brown-furred boy got up from the table, leaving the remnants of the chess game there for later to clean up. Pent wasn't far behind him, following the other boy as he led through the rear parts of the manor. Passing right by Lady Ib, who gently smiled at both of them. The fox didn't pay her much attention as he was completely unfamiliar with her person, and she was just another person of many for him.
Outside, behind the manor, the fox found himself among the property's larger garden. The aromatic smell of floral decadence with thick in the air. The freshly cut shrubs and bushes were finely shaped, with one of them taking the shape of a dolphin with faux water tipping off it. It was an outward display of wealth that remained hidden from the public at large. They continued just beyond it to an open area where an open lawn crossed across a blocked-in area shielded by larger plant barriers.
Xavier looked around, realizing that he had no balls. Toys were not something he ever had the money to indulge in. His manoral allowance was small, and he had to help his family, so there wasn't much he got to keep. As he looked around, he spotted a small bundle of tumbleweed that had collected in the corner. It appeared that one of the landscapers had missed it and he immediately sprang toward it.
The chipmunk grabbed it and set it in front of them. Trying to kick it as a single thing, the thing went nowhere. The hollow innards of it did not allow for it to be tossed around. Huffing, he felt a sense of disappointment as Pent too turned a frown, realizing what was going on.
"My page, do you wish a ball for you and your friend?" Goodwoman Brown noticed them standing there idly.
The boy turned his head and nodded to her. "My friend? Oh, yes, please. Thank you, Goodwoman."
The house servant turned around and went into one of the storage sheds in the backyard. Peering into it, she pulled out an old leather ball. Dusting it off, she tossed it over to the two cubs. Xavier thanked her again before beginning to kick around the ball with the other boy. Goodwoman Brown watched from afar and smiled. Seeing the young boy who was normally so prim and proper let go was refreshing to her.
Xavier and Pent kicked around the ball for a bit. It was a game completely without purpose and lacked any competitive nature. Each time they kicked it back to the other, they chuckled. It was a simple enough game, one that didn't need any rules or understanding. Kicking it around for some time, they quickly lost track of time. Even attracting the attention of some of the other manor residents, though none of them remained for very long.
A few hours passed, and both of them had lost track of time. They joked around a bit, occasionally making jabs at one another. None of it was made hatefully, and each of them laughed it off every time. Time. Simply enjoying the companionship of the other, they continued until Goodwoman Brown returned. The woman stayed silent for a few moments as she watched them. To see the page still having fun was making her hesitate a bit.
"My page, Laby Ib, has requested your presence at the hearth. She assures me you may have your friend back another day." The woman bowed deeply as if to show her uncertainty about the request.
The two cubs stopped as the brown-furred boy wiped a few beads of sweat from his forehead. Neither seemed that upset by the request.
Xavier nodded before turning to his new friend. "Want to do this again sometime?"
"Maybe, it depends on what Master Buni and the others say. I suppose it will be fine as long as I finish my daily tasks." The bigger boy wasn't sure, but it made sense enough to him.
The rodent nodded to him while motioning for him to follow him out. The two of them chatted about nothing specific, almost as if they had known each other for ages. Shifting first from sharing one another's interests to what their responsibilities entailed. Their conversation continued at a slow pace, but to them, time seemed to fly. Eventually, their trek took them right back to the front of the building, where they continued talking about what their lives were like.
By that point, they had lost track of time as they stood idly at the entrance to the place, still going on about different topics. It wasn't until Goodwoman Brown reminded Xavier of his task that they finally stopped. Wishing each other well and promising to see each other once again. The woman chuckled at the two boys, surprised that they seemed to click so well so quickly. It was almost as if they were long-lost friends meant to meet each other.
Xavier would return to his normal duties of tending to Lady Ib. The woman was none too upset and surprisingly glad that he had made a friend. The chipmunk didn't even have to explain himself. Though she was none too happy that he was late, she was quick to forgive him. After all, he was still a cub even if he was her charge. Despite that, he would ask for forgiveness and promise to make it up to her.
As for Pent, he would return to the Spire. Returning to his nightly duties at the mortar and pestle. Master Buni didn't even notice that he was late, as the elder bird was often forgetful. His chief Alchemist didn't bother to berate him since he was often seen as the "Master's Favorite." Though the boy would work well into the night. Feeling just as bad as his friend did for letting down the Guild for whom he pledged himself.
The rest of the night would be a quiet one for young Xavier. Turning back to the usual posh circumstances that came with dinner and after. He was quiet at the table, still thinking about the day behind him. Lady Ib didn't seem to notice much as she was much too busy with her usual responsibilities of keeping the other nobles happy. Though he excused himself much earlier than on previous occasions.
At the back of his mind, the memory was fresh and would leave an indelible mark on his young mind. It would be a day that he would never forget and one that would change his life forevermore. As he got ready for bed, he couldn't help but think about it more. Already, he was thinking about meeting the boy again. No longer did he feel like life was mundane. Finally, something different had happened, and he could do naught but look forward to the next day as he finally fell to slumber.
