The Year Of The Bear - Ep.18
(Start at the beginning)
The Fareamay estate was high on the hill and occupied a sizeable chunk of land. The grounds and manner that rose out of its foundations resembled a high lords hold by worldly comparison, and even that was a far cry off the wealth and splendor that dazzled his eyes. High stone walls marked its perimeter with paved walkways, curated gardens, and a heavy wooden gate that when closed, hemmed it all in. The home itself was expansive, two stories high with a turret that rose further still, all built from stone with a red tiled roof. Along its wall- many a window, glass pane'd, complete with shutters, and lined at the base with iron bars that were designed in equal parts to deter intruders, as they were to impress the eye. Off to one side a separate quarters was built, attached to a stable, no doubt home to some of the handful of servants that were busy about their daily tasks. Carmel exchanged glances with the curious onlookers before once again roving his eyes up and over the central building for all its prominence and glory.
The group dismounted as a middle aged gentleman with graying hair walked over to greet them. “Ms. Boot, we received your missive not but a week ago, I wasn't expecting to see you for some time.”
“Another opportunity presented itself,” She said as she drew down the reins of her horse and put them in the mans waiting hand. “Besides, when have I ever matched up with your expectations.” She smiled and gave the man half a hug, then opened her arms toward the others. “This is Carmel, Dolev, Kodiak, and Kass; everyone, this is Hames. He manages the grounds.”
Hames ran his gaze over everyone in turn and set to scrutinizing them with stern, line riddled eyes. “Come to see the Good Lady I suspect, I’ll see to your horses in the meantime,” and he gave a shrill whistle, waving two boys over who were busy about their chores.
“Is M’Lady in?” Julia asked.
“When is she never?” Hames replied, working his jaw like something had shifted out of place.
The boys dashed over, competing to be first, coming to a skid in the loose gravel and startling the horses. Hames frowned disapprovingly and shook his head. The boys composed themselves before their guests, eager to best serve whoever took their individual fancy. With Julia’s horse already in Hames’ hand, Carmel and Dolev’s beasts were snatched up first, while an unaware (or unconcerned) Kodiak was seen to last. The boy nearest, and in so unfortunate enough to have the privilege, shrunk into obscurity in the Bears presence.
“Take good care of her, boy.” Kodiak said.
“Always, sir.”
“So where now?” Kodiak called to Julia, a keenness spurring him toward the front. The trip had been long traveled and the objective now so near, everyone was feeling antsy in meeting the woman they’d gone to such lengths to meet.
“This way,” Julia motioned with her head and lead the way toward the manner.
The entrance was marked by a stone staircase that opened to a broad landing. Two large wooden doors opened beneath a heavy wooden archway. As Julia pushed on the handle to go inside, Kodiak elbowed Carmel and directed his attention to a phrase carved in the wood above.
“Franc Stav Anglo,” Carmel read aloud.
“What tongue is that?’ Kodiak queried.
“It’s Old Speech,” Julia answered, having stopped in the doorway.
“What’s it say?” Kodiak said with an indignant nod of his head in its general direction. Caution hung about him, as though the carving of the words themselves might bare some omen, and crossing beneath them might inadvertently make him subject to whatever meaning they held.
Carmel was the one to answer, “The Infinite Family.”
“You know Old Speech?” Julia looked surprised.
Carmel shook his head, “Dribs and drabs, there’s a sprinkling of it throughout the Wilds, like spice in the stew. ‘Dust has a way of collecting at the edges’, my father used to say.” Everyone thought on that for a moment.
Kodiak gave a grunt and continued forward and each in turn made their way inside.
Carmel had entered many homes and high halls in his time but never seen anything of the same size, nor detail as the Fareamay estate. The parlour they entered was of a craftsmanship unlike any he’d ever seen. The interior was built of solid wood, stained, painted, and furnished with artful creations. Overhead hung a chandelier helped illuminate the room, bringing light to the odd painting or tapestry that decorated the walls. Archways, halls, and a staircase lead off to other sections of the house, each presenting itself as a maze-like mystery that was difficult to comprehend. For all the splendor and intrigue, the interior looked aged from an indeterminate amount of years, and the presence of an unfathomable amount of traffic had undoubtedly taken its toll in the form of wear on the floorboards, and post-craftsman polish on the naturally trafficked door frames or along their adjoining walls.
As if to make the point, as Carmel and the others moved inside, another weathered individual in a hat and travel cloak passed the the other way. With an acknowledging nod he made his way outside. Julia was the only one to offer a smile, seemingly recognising the man, yet saying nothing in the passing.
“Who was that?” Carmel asked.
“I don’t know.” Julia shook her head, nonchalant.
“You live here?” Kass asked, her mouth not quite able to close from the awe that had captured her. Her eyes had drawn up to the woodwork holding up the ceiling, with its series of dark stained beams set against a white painted backdrop. Light from small windowed eaves near the ceilings level set the contrast stark with effect.
Julia stumbled for an answer, “Ahh, yes, sort of. I did, for a time. I still do sometimes.”
Carmel took a long look down an adjoining hall into a distant room, catching sight of someone going about their day. Without having noticed him they were gone, but his ear caught the sound of life further beyond bouncing his way along the walls. The others didn't seem to notice, each caught in their own spell of intrigue. That meant Julia became a lone figure waiting at the far end of the parlour.
Her voice echoed down the room, drawing everyone's attention.
“I know it’s a parlour but nobody will show up to greet you. If you want someone in this house, you have to go find them,” and with that she started making her way upstairs.
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