The boy’s master was less than pleased that the boy returned with all the orders. His annoyance was quickly hid, however, by the company of the elf and human that approached him. He shooed the boy off to do his chores and masterfully greeted the two newcomers. The boy wished he could stay and listen in, but fearing reprieve took off to clean.
It had been an hour before the boy was summoned back to the mansion. The boy’s master had a greedy look to his eyes as he patted the boy on the head and pushed him to his new master. “You will serve this man now.” With that he passed of the scroll of ownership to the gentleman and bade them farewell.
The new master took the scroll and turned to head back with his female companion. “Come lad, let us go home.” They stepped back into their carriage where the bird and ferret were already waiting. The boy approached the carriage and moved to the back in order to follow it as a proper slave would. However, the gentleman noticed this and motioned for him to join them in the carriage. He had never been treated so nice before and was unsure of what exactly to do. He decided that following his new master’s orders was be more pertinent to his survival and got into the carriage. The man and the elf began making plans, the boy stayed silent and listened with his head bowed, he was not sure what his new master had planned for him or even what his mannerisms were. He knew he did not wish to make this master angry though as he seemed much different from normal.
Time and scenery passed quickly, the boy was unsure of exactly where he was. Then again, he had never really been far from the mansion and farms. The boy noticed that his new master was attempting to get his attention and turned to face him. “Yes sire?”
“Bah, do not address me as a sire. My name is Douven Staul, this lovely lady across from me is Lady Elanna after the Goddess Ehlonna. Though I fear the lady at hand is far prettier.” And with that he winked slyly at the boy and grinned. Elanna’s cheeks turned slightly red with embarrassment but she did not say anything to the contrary. The boy turned to her and looked, he tried not to stare but it was indeed hard. She was indeed the most beautiful elf he had ever met.
His gaze broke away as he realized Douven was addressing him again. “Now lad, what is your name?”
“I am unsure sire, uh sir Staul…, I was never given a proper name as it is unusual for slaves such as myself to have one.” The boy frowned and bowed his head fearing that he may disappoint his master for not having a name.
Douven spoke, “it is also unheard of having an Eladrin as a slave. Eladrin are normally much respected around the world, yet, here you are.” With this the boy hung his head even lower, he hated disappointing people. Douven looked troubled and then turned to Elanna. “Well then we must give this lad a proper name by which to address him. Do you have any suggestions m’lady?”
Elanna looked deep in thought as though she had not even heard Douven speaking. Finally, she smiled lightly and spoke with a voice that could tear at anyone’s heart. “We shall call you Imber. You look as though you will master the storms with your magic. I think Imber Albus Vulpes would suit you perfectly.”
Douven looked surprised and said, “How intriguing that you would give him your own last name.” He grinned rather largely and said, “Especially since you think he will be worthy of being called a fox like yourself.” His comment caused her to smile slyly and suppress a giggle. “Well,” Douven started grinning like a schoolboy that had just evaded detention. “If he is to have your name then he is your responsibility to train.”
Elanna smiled gently and gave Imber a reassuring look, “Well, if he is to learn magic then he should learn from the best, correct? Besides, I can not afford to have another wizard around me that can not perform a spell without blowing up his familiar.” With that Douven’s familiar gave a light smack to his master with its tail while looking at Elanna and nodding furiously. Douven gave a sour look to her and his familiar.
Imber could not help but be surprised by everything that had happened to him this day. Not only had he met real wizards, he had been taken in and given a true family name. He had a feeling this was only the beginning of a new world for him. The three continued their conversations as the carriage sped along the woodland trails.
January 15, 2010 at 2:45 pm |
Have you ever read a book by Sharon Shinn? She’s a fantastic author (my favorite) and has written a series called the Twelve Houses. It’s about Mystics and a kingdom she created. Her writing makes a reader respond with concern, happiness, elation, fear, etc.
This story reminds me a lot of her work.
Of course, the slight grammatical or errors of the like would make any english-freak drop off their seat…but that’s what later editing is for.
For the time being, it’s a story being told in a manner that suits me.
Thanks
January 16, 2010 at 5:18 am |
I can sadly say that I have not read any of her works. However, I put her name in my blackberry for the next time I go to the library. Sounds like something I would be interested in, thank you!
January 19, 2010 at 7:42 pm |
In particular the Twelve Houses series I think you would love. Your character here, now called Imber, reminds me very much of how her character “Cammon” started out. A chance encounter with a couple of people (mystics) that decided to save him from servitude where he could expand his talents and help others. I wont spoil anything for you but lets just say he’s moved up in the world…