SYLVAN ELF CHRONICLES. Christianne Van Keuren
feet.
“Kaleen! Darius! You’re home!” Came two high pitched squeaks from the culprits.
“Easy guys. I didn’t make it all the way back so you could do me in.” Darius looked over at Brandon, who had Vitaria in a firm grip from behind around her hips. “Hey partner? You in the habit of grabbing strange ladies you don’t know?”
Brandon looked up into Vitaria’s smiling face. “Hi.” was all she said before Brandon released her as if scalded and ran to hide his face in his father’s leg. Simon just burst out laughing as he patted his son on the back. “Turn me loose little man so I can get in the house.” Brandon did, but still put his father between himself and Vitaria.
Darius strode ahead of them into the kitchen where his mother was cleaning up. Without turning she spoke in a scolding tone.
“Simon Thorntree. I hope you wiped your feet before you just came stomping in from the outside.”
“I can’t vouch for Dad, but I know I did.”
Collena whirled around, soapy water flying from hands across the kitchen floor.
“Darius!” Came Collena’s astonished cry.
“In the flesh Ma.” Two large steps were met with three quick ones as she hugged her eldest son. She pulled back slightly when she felt the bandage under his shirt.
“How did you get hurt?” She gave Simon a dirty look.
“Don’t give me the evil eye, I had nothing to do with it.” Simon said, “Besides and he said he’d explain it to me when we got home.”
“He did it to protect me.” Vitaria spoke as she almost timidly stepped forward around Simon.
Collena gave her a scrutinizing quick once over in a matter of seconds as only mothers can. Darius extracted himself from his mother’s tightening grip in the younger woman’s presence. His voice, somewhat protective of Vitaria as well as authoritative with his mother.
“If you can find us some food, we’ll explain everything. We’re both very tired and extremely hungry.”
Collena was slightly stunned by her son’s tone as she looked at Simon. Simon knew he would hear about this much later and he didn’t relish that conversation. Simon also realized this quick jaunt had educated his son in the ways of a few things.
Collena stared opened mouth at her son for a moment before she sputtered out a flustered response.
“Where are my manners? Of course I’ll fix you something. Darius go show…” Collena looked at Vitaria.
“Vitaria, M’Lady.”
Collena gave her a fleeting smile as she continued. “Please show Vitaria where she can freshen up. Brandon and Bryant please go get their gear and bring it in from the back porch. I assume that the young lady will be spending the night in your sister’s room.”
Darius gave her a befuddled look as he answered. “Where else would she stay? The barn perhaps with the horses?”
“Don’t you dare get cheeky with me young man. Now just do as you were asked to do while I fix some food.”
“I’ll show her where to clean up, but I have to go find Master Peter first as Brian asked me to do.” Collena gave him a stern look, Darius wasn’t backing down. “Brian’s orders Mom.”
“Collena, let the boy…” Here Simon got a dirty look from Darius, “Let Darius do what he is supposed to do. He won’t be long. Right?” Simon asked.
“No sir.” Darius answered quickly. “I’ll be very quick, I’m starving.”
Collena acquiesced as she knew her son’s appetite. “Then make it quick while Vitaria settles herself in Kaleen’s room and cleans up.”
Vitaria looked a little embarrassed as she spoke. “I’m afraid I don’t have a change of clean clothes. I had a slight accident.”
Darius smirked slightly as he headed for the door. He could feel Vitaria’s glare as he exited the door. He was just passing the barn when Michael came out the side door.
“Where ya headed?”
“Master Peter’s.”
“You’ll probably find him at the Smithy and not home just yet… Just ask Jake. He’s been complaining about having to pick up the slack since you’ve gone off gallivanting on adventures.”
“Gallivanting on adventures? I’ll give him gallivanting.” Darius said as he headed for town
“Wait! Let me go with you.” Michael said.
Darius stopped as he looked at his younger brother. “Isn’t Dad waiting for you?”
“Nope. I finished all of my chores so I’m free as a bird to do what I want.”
“Alright, but if you get into trouble don’t come crying to me. It ain’t my fault.”
“Never is.” Michael retorted as he punched his brother’s left arm.
“Ow! Knock it off iggit.”
Michael stepped away from his brother’s half-hearted swat in retaliation, mouth falling open. “Dad was right!” Michael almost crowed at this new bit of information. “You did hurt yourself.”
“No, I didn’t snot nose. And if you want to live to your next birthday, you’ll keep your mouth shut.”
“Does Mom know? How’d it happen? Did ya kill anyone? What’s Vitaria like? How’s Kaleen?”
Darius just shook his head at the barrage of questions his younger brother was firing at him. He was almost like an annoying bug buzzing around his head.
“Michael stop it, you sound like one of the twins chattering at me. I’ll tell you when I tell Mom.” Here he gave Michael a hard look. “And if you say one word in front of Master Peter, I’ll knock your teeth out.”
“Geeze Darius, you don’t have to get so nasty about it. I was just askin’ for Pete’s sake.” Michael stopped walking as he spoke again. “You don’t have to worry about my saying anything cause you can go there by yourself jackass. You used to know the way Mr. High and Mighty.” Michael turned and walked briskly away.
“Michael.” Darius said and when Michael didn’t stop he called again. “Michael”, but to no avail, as his brother just ignored him.
“Great.” Darius spoke to himself. “Now I’ll have to deal with that when I get home.” He continued on towards the smithy. “Well first things first. Master Peter before supper.”
As Darius approached the blacksmith the sound of hammers ringing out a staccato pinging on the anvils told him that Michael was correct in sending him there first.
He approached quietly, but an all too familiar gruff voice heralded his arrival.
“Oh look Master Peter at what the cat dragged in.” Master Finian warbled.
“Have ya got my back Master Finian?”
“I do. Ya with us young master Jake?”
“I think you overestimate his abilities.”
“Try me if you think you’re able.” Darius’ face split into a wide grin.
Master Peter managed to cross the smithy from the forge in a heartbeat. The smile melted from Darius’ face as a meaty hand clapped him robustly on the left shoulder jarring Darius’ teeth and making the wound throb. Instinctively he winced at the pain. Finian caught it before Darius could stop it.
“What happened young Master?” His face very serious.
“I’ll explain at the elders meeting tonight. Brian asked me to have you call a meeting as soon as you can.”
“Must