Chapter 2 Part 3

That night they stayed at an inn on the outskirts of a small village. That town, like many of the others along the foot of the Orkon mountain range, was heavily populated by gnomes and dwarfs with humans thrown in for good measure. The main industry was of course mining. The village seemed well off and that reason, Tyson soon discovered, was that there was a healthy silver mining industry present. Ultrecht took time to speak with several mine operators and got an impressive list of names he could consult about business opportunities and investments.

Sam did not sleep very well that night. He tossed and turned and kept seeing the faces of the bandits. On several occasion he would doze off to dream of fighting with strangers who bore the faces of people he knew. Finally just a few hours before sunrise, he drifted off into exhausted sleep.

The three adults kept an eye on the youth throughout the day and into the night. Dealing with death was one thing, but to deal with a death you have caused is something else entirely. Armegon was worried, but Ultrecht advised letting the boy sort it out on his own. Tyson had agreed. Cushioning the blow would only set him up for a harder fall later.

The next day came with clouds and gloom. Ultrecht purchased supplies at the general store while Armegon, Tyson and Sam readied the wagon. "The shopkeeper suggested we take the inland road away from the mountains," Ultrecht informed them when he returned. "He said that in weather like this a storm could pop over the mountains with no warning whatsoever and be upon us before we could get off our wagon."

"That sounds like good advice," Tyson commented.

"Okay we work eastward for half a day," Armegon said checking his map. "There’s a trail that turns back northward there and will put us in another village near sunset."

Everyone agreed, so they traveled in the gloomy chill until just before noon when they reached the crossroads on Armegon's map. Deciding not to stop to eat, they turned north and pressed onward. Everyone preferred to get to the next village and get out of the weather. Then they could eat in comfort.

It was just before sunset when they began to see signs of inhabited lands. Open meadows paralleled one side of the road contrasting with the very thick brush on the other side. After another half an hour, just as the first cottage came into view, the first drops of a cold rain began to fall.

Quickly they urged their team into the stable and arranged for rooms in the tavern. They barely were in the commons room by the fireplace when a torrent of rain poured in great sheets.

Sam and Tyson sat at a table and ordered up bowls of soup while Armegon sat at the bar talking to a local inhabitant. Ultrecht was not to be seen. Tyson mentioned that Ultrecht had been speaking to a young lady earlier and money had changed hands. Sam was puzzled, but Tyson had said it as if it explained everything. Sam did not want to sound foolish, so he just acted as if he understood. Maybe he could ask Ultrecht later.

They spent that night in the tavern with the plan to leave the next morning, but the next morning showed more of the same weather so they delayed leaving until well after daybreak. That day's travel was so dreary that no one felt very much like talking. Sam was so miserable because his fur had gotten wet and his skin was cold, that he even forgot to ask Ultrecht about the girl. Tyson had made the only positive outlook by stating that not even starving bandits would be out in this weather.

The weather went on for another week. They spent the night in taverns when they could and were glad of it, but when night fell and caught them on the road, they did their best to sleep under canvas or under the wagon. By the end of the week, the rain was mixed with sleet, and with a few more days the sleet had turned to snow. That at least was a little quieter, and could be more easily shook off than the rain. Even though they were still in the wild, the blanket of snow were a welcome sight and cheered the general mood greatly. It was late one afternoon when they pulled into a village in the cyan hued glow of the twin setting suns.

It was immediately apparent that there was some sort of celebration in progress. The village people were gathered in the town square dancing and feasting. A small band on a platform were playing a variety of instruments that provided the merriment's musical mood. The smell of fresh bread and hot food drifted lazily across the common square and set mouths to watering everywhere.

"I think we are just in time," Ultrecht observed.

"Yeah," Tyson laughed. "I think they knew you were coming," he said as he departed from the wagon.

Sam watched the whole affair with detached curiosity. Something was distracting him. He could not put his finger on it but it felt like the stillness of a hot day before a severe storm. His heart was racing and his hands were shaking. Were they in danger? Should he tell Armegon or Ultrecht? He did not want to appear foolish and he knew he was not sick so he decided not to say anything lest Armegon put him to bed early.

Tyson returned from a nearby lodge and announced that he had secured quarters for the night. He then helped Ultrecht unstow a few bags containing the supplies they would need overnight.

Sam and Armegon entered the neighboring tavern and awaited the arrival of the others. It did not take long for them to arrive. When they were all present Armegon signaled for someone to take their order.

A large heavyset woman approached the table. She stood about as wide as Ultrecht's mule by Sam's reckoning. Her hair was cropped deceptively short and had it not been for her overly blessed bosom one might have taken her for a man such was her disposition.
"Can I help you sir?" she asked.

Armegon grimaced at her squeaky little voice. It was the antithesis of what one would have expected from so large a person. "We will have four portions of the night's special," he said so as not to prolong the encounter.

"And to drink?"

"Do you have any Keronian Beer?" Ultrecht asked.

"Yes," she answered. "That is a very good choice."

"Three glasses and a bucket please," Ultrecht said then added: "and water for the boy."

"Would you care to sample the complimentary wine?"

"Complimentary?" Tyson asked.

"It’s the Moon of the Maiden celebration tonight."

"Of course," Ultrecht laughed. "I’d love to sample the wine." This seemed to satisfy the woman and she left to fetch the orders.

"Moon of the Maiden?" Armegon asked.

"It’s a local custom," Ultrecht explained. "I’ve heard of it but never witnessed it." He leaned close to the table. "Each year one keg of wine is made for each girl born during that year. The wine is then sealed away and allowed to age until that girl enters her womanhood. Then at the fifth cycle of the larger moon during each year the kegs of those maidens eligible for marriage are tapped and shared with the village. It’s said that the sweeter a woman's Maiden Wine, the more fertile the woman and the more blessed the marriage."

"Nonsense," Tyson scoffed. "That’s just superstition."

"Perhaps," Ultrecht pointed out, "but this superstition will get you free wine tonight."

"Well then," Tyson said enthusiastically, "let's hear it for superstition."

"Besides," Ultrecht said to Armegon, "to refuse the wine is an insult to the girl's family."

Armegon mused on this momentarily as the waitress returned with a flask of wine and four small glasses. "This," she announced as she filled each glass with a rich red liquid, "is a gift from the house of Merkant the Weaver on behalf of his daughter, Calista, who has entered her fourteenth year is skilled in the art of the tailor and awaits a suitor." After this she stood to one side and waited as if she expected something.

Ultrecht lifted the wine glass. "Gentlemen," he said prompting them to do likewise. Sam hesitated momentarily then lifted his as well. He had not been allowed to drink wine, but a wink from Armegon and Ultrecht's smile implied their permission to do so. He too lifted his glass.

"To the fair Calista," he said and downed the wine. The others did likewise. Sam almost gagged at the alcohol's bite.

Ultrecht returned the glass to the woman's tray. "I think the maiden will marry soon by the taste of her wine," he said. This produced a smile from the waitress who collected the glasses and departed.

Armegon leaned back. "Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about this tradition?"
Ultrecht tilted his chair back and propped his feet up on a chair from a nearby unoccupied table. "Not really," he said casually. "As outsiders we’re excused from most of the celebration if we desire it. We’re not unwelcome, though. It is generally considered that an outsider who attends the Moon of the Maiden celebration is looking for a wife. If these communities don't get new blood in them occasionally they start running into inbreeding problems. So as outsiders we pretty much have the run of the town. We could not have timed it better."

"It might be worthwhile to observe this if for no other reason than to gain a little cultural education." Armegon rubbed his chin.

A moment later their meals were served. A stew of rabbit meat and carrots with strawberry muffins and a loaf of bread made for a delicious dining. After the evening meal Tyson wandered off to explore the town. Armegon, Ultrecht and Sam made their way to the festivities to watch the celebration.

Sam was near the far edge of the crowd near a water flue and wheel. The building was a saw mill of some kind by his reckoning. There had been one in the village near his home and he had seen it when Armegon had taken him with him. He had climbed up near the top of the flume and had a vantage point where he could observe unobstructed.

The band had ceased playing and five young girls dressed in white gowns with flowers in their hair had moved onto the platform. Sam had not met many girls who were the same size as he was. Well there was Rida, but she was a Dryad and did not count. Sam was intrigued. They were all about fourteen years old. At least one of them was fourteen, he remembered. What was her name?

An old woman dressed in an black gown approached the five young ladies she stopped and kissed each one in turn on the cheek. The old woman turned and addressed the crowd. The people fell silent under her gaze.

"Today we recognize five daughters of the village of Gryden Creek in the Goldridge Valley. Tonight our daughters are proclaimed ladies to be won. Heed well men of Goldridge Valley. They are prizes indeed."

The old woman placed her hand on a tall girl with midnight hair that hung down to her thighs. "This is Deenah, daughter of Ambon the smith. With her comes a stake in the family smithy and a fine selection of tools or a monetary dowry sufficient to set up a young couple's own business here or away."

She introduced the second girl, a short, stout thing with shoulder length brown hair and a small upturned nose. "This is Amanda, daughter of Terrel the miller. She too comes with a stake in the family mill as well or a monetary dowry equivalent to a year of meal."

The third girl was very tall and thin. She was deeply tanned with golden hair that fell across her shoulders. "This," the old woman said, "is Breem, daughter of Balthar the healer. She is skilled in herb lore and her family will provide all healing and midwivery services free of charge."

"This," she said as she approached the fourth girl, a busty maiden with blonde curls and blue eyes about Sam's height but much more curved, "is Saja, daughter of Estrag the farmer. Her father is offering a choice piece of bottom land and a house with first choice of the years livestock to the man she accepts."

Finally the old woman came to the fifth girl. She was neither tall, nor thin. In fact she was quite plain and homely. Her eyes were very close together and her brown hair was cropped very short; almost like a boy's. There was a look of sadness on her face. "This is Calista, daughter of Merkant the tailor. She is skilled in the weaving arts and her father has pledged bolts of fine cloth and material for her dowry as well as one hundred Tycarian gold soverigns."

The old woman finished her introductions and the people of the crowd applauded greatly. Then when the old woman left the stage, dozens of men began throwing flowers upon the stage.

Sam was amazed at the fourth girl. She aroused feelings within him and he could barely keep from looking at her. He noticed to his satisfaction that many of the flowers thrown onto the platform were falling before her feet.

He could hear Ultrecht and Armegon below him. Ultrecht said that the flowers were thrown by men proclaiming their affection as brother, father or potential mate. Each flower had a tag naming the thrower and the girls would choose her suitor from the offerings. The majority of the flowers were roses which were the flowers of the suitors, and the wildflowers were of family members. Dandelions were tossed by brothers and uncles while daisies were gifts from the girl's father.

Sam wished he had something to give to Saja, the one with the curls. He would like to spend time talking with her. He noticed her body and her smile. She was charming in every way.

After several long moments, the blizzard of flowers ceased and the girls began happily gathering their offerings into baskets. All that is except for the last one. Calista knelt on the platform with tears in her eyes. The old woman was there and appeared to be consoling her.

Sam was interested. He studied the situation carefully to find the reason for the sadness. Finally it showed itself. The poor girl clutched a single daisy to her heart as if it were the only thing in the world that mattered to her. At her feet there were no other flowers to be seen. A hush fell on the crowd. Whisperings that Sam easily overheard told him that the girl's father was the only person to cast a flower to her.

Sam's own heart was wrenched. How could life be so cruel? He wanted to take back his wish to cast a flower at the feet of the fourth girl who had more than her basket would hold. But he had been as overcome as the rest of the people in the village.

The old woman hugged the poor girl close then readdressed the silent crowd. "For many generations our ancestors have kept to this tradition. Sometimes the outcome is painful, sometimes not." She kissed each of the girls one last time but lingered the longest with Calista.

"The lots of love have been cast," she announced. "Remember girls only one man may you choose. The others are free to seek another." And with that she squeezed Calista's shoulder and Sam was gladdened to know that all was not lost for the girl. "Now our maidens of honor will retire to the stream to wash away their childhood and will return to us shortly as women seeking marriage. In the meantime let the celebration resume."

Sam watched the girls exit the platform and disappear behind a building to his left. He felt sorry for the poor girl who had gotten no flowers. He himself had never tasted wine before, so he could honestly say that hers was the best he had ever tasted. Perhaps if he told her that she might feel better.

Sam climbed to the empty water flume and followed it uphill until it ran aground. He easily found his way to the place where the girls had passed and followed the scent of the flowers down the street. He saw several groups of women ahead and without knowing why, he stealthily slipped past them until he was out of the town. Then he entered the brush where he ran with the grace and skill of a creature of the night. He slowed when he heard noise up ahead.

Slowly and silently he crept forward until the source of the noise came into view. There before him were the five girls. They were unclothed and washing in the stream. Sam grew uncomfortable and his breath grew short. His trousers became tight and there was an ache in his loins.

The five girls all spoke together and Sam could hear every word. "Don't worry, Calista," one said. "You will get a man."

"Yeah," laughed another. "A second hand man."

"You dog," the first retorted. "Your basket was far from full."

"That may be so, but I only need one and I know he offered his to me," the mean voice snapped back.

"You mean Cedric?" a third voice cut in.

"Of course that’s who I mean!"

The first voice laughed. "Yeah, Cedric. Cedric threw an offering to all of us." There was a pause. "Well almost all of us."

"Please leave me alone," a voice full of anguish pleaded. "You go on back. I want to wait a little longer."

Two of the girls waded ashore, their naked youthful bodies glistening under the light of the moon. Sam's eyes strayed only for a moment until his attention returned to the remaining three.

"I don't feel right leaving you alone here at night," one of the nicer voices said. If you want, we’ll wait with you. You’re our friend."

"Friends no longer matter." Again, it was the pained voice. "Husbands and families are what we must place first now. I’m going to ask my father to take me to the city where I can start over."

"There are plenty of men here, Calista. Won't you please stay?"

"Maybe, maybe not. It’s pretty plain no one wants me. No one cares." There was a sob in the darkness and then a weak plea: "please go away."

Sam watched the other two girls emerge from the water. Though he didn't know why he was glad to see that one of the nicer girls was the beautiful light colored curls girl that everyone had liked. The other was the short stocky girl. Again the nude bodies caused him discomfort.

Sam waited a little longer. Soon all was still. The only sound was that of the heartbroken girl wading in the stream as if the waters would wash away the tears. Sam could stand it no longer. He stepped out on the bank.

"Hello," he whispered softly. The girl turned around and dove under the water. Momentarily her head emerged.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"My name is Sam. I’m from another village. I arrived too late to get any flowers, but I did taste some of your wine." He approached the waters edge. There were some wild lilies growing and he reached down and plucked one. "I don't have a rose, but I’d like to give you this lily."

"Why’re you doing this," the girl said. Her voice no longer betrayed her pain, but it still trembled slightly.

"Because I think you are a nice person."

"Nice people suffer most," she said cynically. "But thanks anyway." She moved into the shallows until her breasts cleared the surface. They were firm and smooth. Her skin was milky white in the moonlight.

"Should I leave?" Sam asked as he tried to control his breathing, and he took an involuntary step backwards. His heart skipped a beat when she replied.

"No." She smiled, and her smile bathed him in a light all its own. Sam's palms felt wet. His legs trembled and his heart threatened to blast its way out of his chest. He was certain that he should not be there, but he could not think of a polite way to excuse himself without offending the girl.

Calista walked into even shallower waters and the water line wafted softly across her bare belly leaving it glistening in the darkness. "Please stay," she urged.

Sam's hands were shaking. His throat was dry and a thousand thoughts began to rush through his head. He could not think straight. He was caught between the urge of running away as fast as he could and the strange desire to touch that smooth skin. He wished that she would go back in the river, but just as strongly he wanted her to come closer.

"Are you okay?" Calista asked with a giggle. She took two steps forward and the water receded further to reveal the rest of her womanly charms. Sam wondered if she was aware that he could see in the dark.

He winced at the pounding in his veins as his body answered to laws of nature older than the river before him. He held forth the flower as if coaxing a wild animal and stepped into the water. Calista responded by coming to him and reached out to take the prize. When she touched his hand a flood of warmth washed over him and his mind exploded. Time froze and he dared not move lest the magic moment be lost.

The girl let her touch linger long. Then she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "Thank you," she said and her breath tickled his ear while at the same time her wet body rubbed against him.

Sam's world spun as he lost all coherent thought. He took the girl into his arms as his body felt charged with lightning and threatened to explode from within. Their lips found each other in the night and his knees buckled and he fell pulling her to the sand with him.

Calista gazed into Sam's face. She was startled by his features. "You aren't human are you?" she breathed softly.

"No," he answered caressing her breasts with the palm of his hand.

"Are you an elf?" she asked excitedly.

"No," he answered, "my parents are dead, but my foster father is a half-elf."

Calista smiled. "That’s good," she replied and kissed him again deeply. At her touch, passion overtook Sam and the animal locked inside ran rampant. The hormones that had been subtly changing his body now took complete control. For many long moments, his brain was afire and he remembered nothing.

Gradually he came to his senses. What had he done? Calista was curled into a ball with her back to him. "Calista?"

"Did you get what you wanted," she asked quietly. She was clutching the lily tightly. "Will you leave now?"

"No," Sam answered, though he did not know why. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to escape, to flee.

Calista turned to face him slightly. "Why not? I used you. Though I may never have a husband, at least I’ll know what it’s like to have a man. Maybe if I go to the city I can make a living of it, no?"

"I really like you," Sam said. "I don't know what came over me. I’ve never been with a woman before and I sort of lost control."

Calista sat up. "You mean it was the first time for you too?"Sam nodded. "That's sweet," she smiled. Calista reached out and touched Sam's shoulder. She drew him close. Sam and Calista were laying cuddled in each other's arms when they were awakened by a sharp sound nearby.

They had fallen asleep together and Calista's absence from the celebration had prompted a search. Sam sat up and was startled to see three women with torches surrounding them.

"It seems Calista did not waste time seeking an outsider for a mate," one laughed. "Come on you lovers. Lets get you back to the party so we can introduce Calista's new husband."

"Husband?" Sam thought aloud.

"Yes, husband," the speaker repeated. Then with a stern voice: "Love is not a toy, son."
Calista sat up and pulled on a modest dress. Sam stood and began clothing himself as well. Unfortunately his feline features that could be passed in the dark or even in soft moonlight did not pass in strong torch light.

There was a scream from the girl Sam had just been with. The women were stepping backward in fear. "A demon," one said at last.