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 Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 2:03 pm
Lionel peered at his pocketwatch. It was ticking audibly, but it might as well have been broken for all the good it was doing him in the dark. Then again, he supposed that the dark was a good enough indicator of the time. It was late. How late didn't really matter.
What had started as a leisurely stroll in a nearby park had turned into an all-day expedition into the world that he was still trying so desperately to attune himself with. He'd seen buildings that seemed to stretch beyond the clouds, strange vehicles that moved without being drawn by horses or people, and a box that played music without being wound up. He'd heard something called rap, smelled the very pits of hell that people called a sewer, and tasted a mouthwatering cake with a hole in it that its creator named a donut. All in all, time well spent by anyone's measure.
Yet despite the fact that his experiences had far overreached his expectations that day, all would mean nothing if he couldn't return to his lodgings. At first the trees around him seemed to indicate that he had returned to his starting point. However he had been walking for quite some time, and there seemed to be no end to the foliage. Or indeed the silence that had started to annoy the gentleman.
Or was it really silent? For a sound drove itself into Lionel's ears. Though it was soft, the fact that it was the only sound for what could be miles made it echo and throb in his mind.
Step. Step.
A light, delicate thud, accented by a gentle swish of what he could only assume was cloth. Sound plus cloth meant person, and that equation spelled out the solution to Lionel's problems. He hoped.
Step. Step.
It didn't take long for him to find the source of the noise. What took longer was for him to register exactly what he was seeing.
An arrow was pointed at the nobleman's stomach, behind which was a boy less than half his size. He made up for his lack of height with a level of calm that permeated the woods, and for a moment Lionel wondered how he could possibly have heard this youngster when he obviously didn't want to be heard.
"What're you doin 'ere?"
The question cleared Lionel's senses. "I have travelled a great way today, yet I am unfamiliar with my surroundings. The night has found me in a place I am not aquainted with, and I beseech you to set my humble self on the right path if you are so able."
"You're lost." It was a statement, not a question.
"Er... if you wish to put it so bluntly, yes."
"And you want my help."
"If you would be so kind as to assist me, I would be indebted to you." Lionel attempted a bow, but only made it halfway down. It was a tad unnerving presenting a case to a child with a dangerous weapon at close range.
"An if I help, you'll leave?" His gaze was level and unwavering, as was his stance. No matter where his prey moved, the tip of the arrow followed it expertly.
"I am eager to return to my own es- my house."
Sighing, the boy released the string of his bow as he tucked the arrow away into a quiver on his back. He set one end of the bow on the ground, leaned on the end, and looked the older man straight in the eye. "What'dya want?"
"First I would like to know the entitlement of the one who is kindly lending their aid." Maybe once they got on a first name basis, the child wouldn't be so on edge.
"Er... you first."
"Very well. I am Lionel Christian Elijah Henry Anders Winchester, earl- ehm, former Earl of Keburry."
"You're an Earl?" The boy looked suspicious, and lifted the end of the weapon-turned-staff off the ground.
Patience wearing thin, Lionel nodded. "Former Earl. And you are...?"
"Kinnison. The road back to town is that way." He pointed beyond a couple of trees with the end of his bow.
Blue eyes followed the gesture, and cleared once he saw a path, barely visible in the moonless night. "Thank you, sir... Kinnison..."
The boy was gone. Nothing but a few bent blades of grass remained to prove he had ever really been there.
Shrugging, Lionel went on his way. It was none of his business anyway.
That was their first meeting, yet it was hardly the last. Still, it would be two months before their paths would cross again.
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Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:54 am
For the second time Lionel found himself on the wrong end of this boy's arrow, and once again it disturbed him. Not only that he had apparently found his way into the same place, but that the youngster had once again managed to sneak up on him without being noticed. Yet this time was even more embarrasing.
At least this time he was in the thick woods for a reason, and was prepared. His long coat had been neatly folded and tucked into the large backpack along with essentials like a sleeping bag, food and water supplies, and other camping supplies. The rest of him was dressed rather simply, in a plain cream-colored shirt that had the sleeves rolled up, dark brown pants tucked into black boots, and thick leather belt off which hung a compass, a pocketknife, and a small lantern.
Luckily this encounter happened during the day, so there was no need for it. Not that he could have reached it even if he wanted to. Both arms were badly tangled in the simple rope net that he'd been caught up in, as were his legs. It was a well camoflauged trap, he decided. It was easier to think that than to believe that he'd been careless, even if he knew that to be the case.
Kinnison squinted at his catch. He'd caught it off guard, before it had even stopped thrashing, but was surprised. This wasn't prey, it was human. A decidedly annoyed human, and furthermore a familiar one.
"What're you doin back 'ere? Lost agin?"
"I suppose you could say that, Master Kinnison," Lionel replied, proud he could remember the name of his captor. "However this time I am in search of something."
"Somethin like what?"
At first the nobleman hesitated. It sounded so foolish to say to someone who didn't know him, especially a someone who was so much younger, and yet outwitted him twice. Then again, perhaps he could enlist some aid, and not fall for the same trap thrice.
Besides, what did he have to lose? "I'm looking for my former home. I have heard that it would be in this area, thus my search. Perhaps you'd care to help me?"
"Why?"
"Er... why not?"
"I jus wan you ta leave." Kinnison twitched one eye, trying to get rid of an itch that had started up. He couldn't very well scratch it and scare away the intruder at the same time... maybe it would go away.
"Why is that? I have as much of a right to be here as you do, after all."
Now that the questioner and questioned roles were reversed, the boy wasn't quite as comfortable, even though he still held the upper hand.
"People ain't supposed ta be in the forest. They jus mess it up."
"You're a people. Ehm, person."
"I don't take more'n what I need."
Lionel clapped his hands together- or tried to, at least. "Then I have the perfect solution."
Hearing no response, he went on. "You wish me gone. I wish to find my home. I won't leave until I do find it. You'll keep following me anyway, to make sure I leave. So why don't you guide me? The sooner I find what I seek, the sooner I will be able to leave. In addition, you will be able to keep an monitor my actions to ensure I don't do anything you deem wrong. We both win."
He had the boy trapped now, and he knew it.
Kinnison did too, and didn't like it one bit. Still, if he refused he had no idea what the man would do.
"Deal," he grunted, finally reaching to scratch his itch. The bow shook, and finally launched the arrow into the air. It flew several feet straight up before reversing directions and falling to the ground.
"I mean'ta do tha."
"Of course you did. Now, would you mind terribly releasing me... partner?"
Hoping for his sake and Lionel's that this house was very, very nearby, Kinnison bent to pick up his fallen arrow, which he tossed up. "Cut yerself loose, and hurry up'bout it. Lion."
"That's Lionel," he corrected while jabbing an intersection of strings. "Lionel Christian Elijah-"
"Lionel, right. Now can we just go?" The sooner the better, Kinnison thought, starting off already.
"Hey- whoa!" Lionel plunged five feet to the soft forest floor, landing on his stomach. "Wait for me, kid!"
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 10:43 pm
Kinnison cinched a length of rope (provided by Lionel) around a grouping of sticks. It wasn't a bad lean-to, he had to admit. Of course, he would have preferred spending the night in his cave, but he could deal with some discomfort if it meant he could get a human out of the forest with all due haste.
Once the roof was securely fastened, he cast a sideways glance in the man's direction. He'd gathered a group of sticks and arranged them in the fire pit the two of them had dug. All was going according to plan- until Lionel pulled out a flask of a funny-smelling liquid.
"What're ya doin," he all but cried, darting forward.
Lionel started, nearly dropping the bottle. "I am simply starting the fire-"
"Wha's that?" Kinnison pointed to the flask accusingly.
"Petrol."
The boy nearly smacked the offending gasoline away, but held himself back. Still, no amount of restraint could keep his voice down.
"Petrol? Are ya MAD? That stuff's toxic! It's gonna poison th'earth if ya keep using it! Put it away, ya idiot!"
It was hard for Lionel to think that someone so much younger than him could seem so threatening, but when faced with proof his mind was forced to bend that way. He was at the mercy of someone one-fourth his age in the wilderness. Not a good idea to make his guide unhappy, he supposed. But there had to be rules.
"Well? Ya gonna put it away, or d'I hafta do it for ya?"
"Now you wait one moment, young man. I understand that there are certain guidelines you would ask me to follow. However I must exercize some authority. As the one who enlisted your services, I have a right to fair conditions. Including a little respect."
The flask was capped and tucked away during this speech, and once it was finished, Lionel was standing at his full six feet three inches, an imposing looking figure if his pants weren't so muddy.
Kinnison was unimpressed. Really, he was. The slight tremor that ran through his body was caused by a drop in temparature. Of course, it could be inferred that the lack of heat started with the man in front of him, but he decided not to continue with that thought anymore.
One thing the display made him remember was that he was travelling with a human. And their lack of knowledge about the true state of the world didn't make them ineffective when they wanted to do things, far from it. Humans who didn't take other forms of life into consideration were above all else dangerous.
At least the flamable chemicals were away. If he'd listened to reason once, perhaps there was a chance to break through to this one.
"What're you askin?"
"All I'm asking is for equal treatment. Where I come from, I could force you to your knees with a word, but-"
"But you're not there now."
Eyes narrowing again, Lionel leaned over until they were level with Kinnison's. "I was going to say, but I don't want to. I am older than you are, arguably wiser, have more experience dealing with life, and a purse of several gold coins. You are younger and likely poorer- but you know this terrain and its secrets. I believe you to be my equal in this situation. I expect the same faith from you."
When presented with that evidence, it was difficult to argue. Besides, it would be easier to agree and get it over with. "Deal."
"Yes, a deal- if show me how to start the fire."
With a long suffering sigh, Kinnison grabbed a pair of sticks. "I'll do it. You finish the lean-to for tonight."
"Yes, Master Kinnison."
It was hard to conceal his smirk. Master Kinnison. He could get used to that.
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:06 pm
"Now, you can douse the fire, and I'll take 'part that thing you made."
"Yes, Master Kinnison."
"And dun forget ta take that sack you slept in."
"Already packed, Master Kinnison."
Kinnison's eyebrows furrowed. For a while it had been amusing, even enjoyable, to be called Master. But now it was starting to get on his nerves. He'd been travelling with Lionel for two weeks, and he knew enough about the man to see that he wouldn't bow before anyone who didn't deserve it.
"Why d'ya keep calling me master, anyway?"
Lionel looked behind him, his expression perplexed. "It's only natural."
"Why? I mean, you're older an all." Perhaps the man didn't understand the question. Or he was going mad.
"Precicely."
Yep, definitely going mad. "Come'gain?"
"I certainly wouldn't address you by that title if you were older."
"Look, why don we jus say 'at I have no idea what it means, and explain it."
Shrugging, Lionel did as he was asked. "Master is the term one adresses a young boy by. If I was your age, an elder would call me Master Lionel. When one grows older, they become Mister. In a few years time you'll be Mister Kinnison, and then by your last name, Mister... what is your last name, anyway?"
"Thanks. Let's go."
"But you failed to tell me your na-"
"I'm leaving.
Lionel followed. He'd weasel it out of the boy later.
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 12:36 pm
Kinnison was starting to despair of ever finding this place. His "client" as Lionel had put it had a very vague idea of where he used to live. Over there, he had said. Somewhere in the north, he had said. They'd looked for nearly an moon, with no luck at all. And at this rate, he'd be stuck with some spoiled prince or whatever he was, for a long time.
For a royal guy, he wasn't that bad. He did was he was asked (or told) to do with little fuss. But he had silly attatchments to things that did them no good, which slowed them down. He didn't even know that his own actions could influence others. It was a scary thought. But under Kinnison's tutelage, he had been slowly improving. Maybe by the time they were done, he could release an earth-conscious person back out into the world.
Then again, he doubted it.
Lionel was starting to despair of ever finding his home. His "guide" claimed to have an expert's knowledge of the forest, but if that was the case, why hadn't they found it yet? It couldn't be that hard to find one measly patch of land, especially such a distinct one. It had been weeks, possibly a month they had searched, with no results. At this rate he would be stuck with that obnoxious child forever.
For a brat, he wasn't as bad as Lionel had first thought. He truly did know how to get by in the forest, and was skilled in setting up camps and getting food. They hadn't starved so far at least, though he was starting to tire of eating berries, nuts, and rabbit. But the boy kept trying to make himself superior. He acted like he knew everything, and every time Lionel made a mistake, there would be lots of yelling. Still, under Lionel's tutelage, he'd been slowly improving. Perhaps by the time they parted ways, he could release a cultured member of society into the world.
Then again, he doubted it.
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 1:49 pm
"Shhhh."
"What is it?" Lionel whispered as loudly as he dared.
Kinnison glared, but answered. "People, I think."
"Is that bad? After all, we happen to be-"
"People don' come here," Kinnison hissed. "If they're here, they're gonna do bad things."
"Are you sure it's not an animal?" The same mistake had been made before, and they had readied themselves for an encounter with people, only to find a bear a short distance away. Luckily it was occupied, searching for food.
"Too noisy. Stay here, I'm gonna see who's there."
Making sure Lionel was listening (and staying put), Kinnison reached for an arrow. His bow was already in his hands, which were NOT trembling, he told himself. The noises were moving again, so he adjusted his course slightly and stepped forward. He moved faster, to keep up, and was so preoccupied that he didn't even notice the trap until he had fallen into it.
It took him another minute to figure it out, and once the pain started to register, he screamed.
It took Lionel roughly the same amount of time to recognize the scream, and he immediately ran off towards the sound. The fact that Kinnison had screamed for a reason, and that the same reason might get him, never occured to the noble.
Finding the boy was quick work, though once he had, Lionel nearly wished he hadn't. He blinked a few times, to make sure his eyes were working properly, then staggered backwards.
Kinnison was on the ground. His bow and quiver were off to one side, out of reach. His clothes were dusty, but unharmed- except for one thing. One light green leg-warmer was no longer green, but a terrible shade of brown. A very reddish brown. The cloth was ripped in several places, and liquid in the same sickening reddish-brown color leaked out. The leg was twisted into a very unusual position that probably wasn't very comfortable.
The source was quite evident. A gleam of silver nearly blinded Lionel, but it was easy to see what it was. The hunter's trap had caught Kinnison quite effectively, and its teeth were sinking into the child's flesh. He had struggled, which had only made the injury worse, and jagged lines of blood covered his entire leg. A small pool was starting to collect on the ground from the large gashes.
"Nnnh..."
Lionel started, and raced over. The boy was still conscious? If so, he would be in pain. But what could he do to help.
"I... toldja it was people."
"Shush. You're hurt, and I'm going to help, but don't talk."
"Hmph... hunters... idiots." He smiled grimly as unconsciousness finally took over.
"You may be right, boy. You may be right."
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Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 12:06 am
An odd feeling of calm consumed Lionel. It was probably shock, he rationalized. It was preventing panic from setting in, but it was also distracting him. Slowly he turned his head to take in the situation again.
The trap had rather large, evil looking teeth that interlocked, or tried to anyway. It was made of a silvery metal that glinted coldly in the small bits of light that came through the trees. Both of those things were good. A trap with smaller but more numerous teeth could do more extensive damage to the skin, and a rusty trap would mean infection.
Still, the bleeding had to be dealt with fast. Grimacing, Lionel put one hand one each side of the device and pulled the jaws apart. It was hard work, but the springs slowly obliged. Once they were about a foot apart he slowly worked the trap back towards Kinnison's foot, taking care not to cause any more scrapes. He didn't entirely succeed, and by the time the metal had been tossed aside both the injured leg and his own hands had a few new scratches on them. It was better than it could have been though, he decided.
His satchel was quickly pulled off and opened, and a towel was extracted from it. It was soaked through almost immediately, and Lionel tossed it aside in disgust, retrieving another. It was the last one, but folded over, it managed to impede the blood flow. He tied his spare shirt around that securely, not even worrying about the stains that would eventually cover it. That alone was a sign he had changed.
Finally, he looked back to his patient's face. It had been pale when he started, and it hadn't improved at all during the course of his work. Yet it hadn't worsened either, and that alone was enough to encourage him. He looked to the leg again, to find that the towel was starting to turn a murky brownish red. The makeshift torquinet was failing.
"We need to find you a place to recover, and some real medical attention. And soon."
"Sir, are you in need of assistance?
A scruffy looking man stepped out from behind one of the many trees. He looked roughly a decade older than Lionel, though his beard and shoulder-length hair might have contributed to that. Simply clothed in a formerly white shirt, brown pants, and a leather vest, he seemed as native to the woods as Kinnison, perhaps more.
"I think you are," he continued after not getting an answer. "Your young friend seems to be in a predicament."
Lionel nodded. "We both are. Might you know a place we could get him some attention?"
"The castle's nearby."
"Castle?"
The man grinned. "Follow me."
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:35 am
Kinnison awoke. That was a surprise in itself. The last thing he could remember was pain, and the ugly trap he had stupidly fallen into. Considering that, he declared himself lucky to have woken up at all. Apparently that noble was good for something after all.
The pain was still there, but it was considerably less, much to his relief. What had been a sharp, piercing force tearing his mind to pieces had become a subdued, dull ache. Curious, he sat up and pulled back the thick wool blanket that covered him. His left leg was bandaged neatly, from the foot to just above the knee. Upon further investigation, he found that he was wearing unfamiliar clothes, lighter but still warm. A dark green tunic covered the length of the brown shorts that he was wearing. Everything else was gone.
His person secured, Kinnison turned his attention to the room. Its walls were a roughly hewn gray stone that seemed to attract the cold, hence the thick blanket. There were only two articles of furniture visible, the four-poster bed that he was sitting in, and a chair propped up against a wall. There was a stranger sitting in it, a woman appearing to be in her early thirties, dressed in a plain spring green dress. She was fast asleep, and snored softly.
Any other time he would have tried to make some sense of the situation. His leg decided to intervene, the pain level spiking without warning. He was tired suddenly, despite having just woken up minutes before. There were questions to be asked, but they would have to wait. Sleep was most important now...
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 3:47 am
"Good night, sweet prince."
Kinnison groaned and blinked his eyes open. "Wah?"
"Ah, so you are awake! I thought you might be."
"Wah?" the boy repeated, bewildered. It felt like someone had stepped on his leg with spiked boots, and possibly on his head too. And he couldn't see anyone- no, that wasn't true. A woman moved into his view, carrying a damp cloth and smiling. She was pretty enough, with tan skin and brown plaited hair, slightly plump, but looking nice in her plain green dress. It was possible she would have been a comforting sight if he knew who she was.
"Poor dear, you must wish you were still asleep," the woman clucked, placing the cloth on Kinnison's forehead. "Godfrey's out looking for the one what set that nasty trap, and he's got a good lead to, so don't you worry, pet."
"Who?" It was the first actual word he managed to utter, and getting it out did noting to reassure him.
"Dear me, you must be mighty confused. My name is Cecily, dear, and you're in Sherwood Castle. That was a terrible slashing that trap gave you, but fortunate the doctor wasn't too far out. Godfrey- my husband- went for him after he brought you here, and the doctor sewed you up just nicely. Gave you a powerful dose of medicine too. Why, you've been out for nearly two days!"
The woman bounced as she talked, making a few choice gestures with her arms. When she stopped speaking they were both raised partly and bent at the elbows, but once she was finished she dropped them to her sides.
The pain made it easy to believe most of what he was being told, but something still didn't seem right to Kinnison. He didn't speak for a over a minute, but when he did it was blurted out fast. "Li'nel?"
Cecily chuckled. "Ah, Lord Lionel is just fine. He's been mighty worried about you though, but I wasn't about to let him spend all his time in here, wasting away. I've been making sure to send him off for meals. It's hard to get him to do more than that though, even if I make sure to keep my eyes on you when he's gone."
It was then that Kinnison recognized the woman as the one he had seen when he had woken up earlier. So he was in a castle after all. "Your house?"
"Nay, Sherwood Castle has been standing for centuries. My husband and I help to care for it, but no one lives here now. Except us, anyway."
That made no sense at all, but Kinnison was in no mood to argue. Even if he was, the little strength he had wouldn't get him far.
"Anyhow," Cecily said cheerily, "I'm sure you must be famished. I'll get you some dinner right away. We're having a nice thick stew, and maybe once you're done you can have a visitor."
"Okay."
"That's a brave bird," she purred, stroking Kinnison's dark hair out of his eyes before leaving.
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 8:31 am
"How does it taste?"
Glancing up from his dinner (a stew made with vegetables and possibly rabbit) Kinnison stared at the figure that loomed over him. It was ragged, unwashed, torn in several places, and in need of a shame. Surprisingly, it was Lionel.
The fork fell from his fingers, hitting the bowl with a loud clatter.
"I haven't had the pleasure of tasting out hostess' cooking, other than a small roll this morning, but I assume it's quite delectable."
He paused, waiting to see if there would be any interruptions. When there weren't, he went on.
"The people here have been extremely helpful. I believe we both owe them a debt that we will never be able to repay, though we can certainly try."
A tear trickled down Kinnison's cheek, but still no words came out.
"It's incredibly fortunate that they were so nearby when you... well, yes. We really were quite lucky."
Still no words, but a soft sniffle, and several more tears.
"And they're quite generous to be letting us stay here while you recover. In fact, I-" He stopped abruptly, alarmed. "Are you in pain? Should I call for help? Can I do anything to- oof!"
This time his charce cut him off, by grabbing him around the waist suddenly. "I'm sorry," he moaned. "And... I..."
Confused and worried, Lionel did the first thing he thought to. "Well now, no need for all this. You've been very... very brave through this ordeal. Now, you'll be better soon. But you had better rest now." Without waiting for a reply he deftly freed himself from the child's grasp and hurried out of the room.
It was the first time Kinnison had seen actual people in a long time. And oddly enough, the first time he felt truly alone.
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Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 6:52 am
What an imbecile. How could he have just kept blathering on, and then left when he had finally gotten through to the boy? Even if it wasn't him, but that dratted trap. In some ways he was actually grateful for it. They had found other people, and Kinnison was starting to act like a human being, instead of one of the animals he spent all his time around.
Perhaps it was his guilt that was desabling him. That could be it.
"How's the stew?" The man who'd found them in the forest plopped down in an adjacent chair. "My wife, she may not be high-class like what you're used to, but she's a good cook."
"It's delicious," Lionel choked out. "Superb."
"That, my man, is the face of a man who's let a fat rabbit get away. What'd you lose?"
That was certainly a loaded question. "My family, my home... even a child. How do you manage, Godfrey?"
"Good question." Godfrey whistled softly. "I don't reckon I've ever lost that much. My parents sure. And a house. But I managed the same way you gotta manage everything. Just pick up and keep going. Shutting yourself up ain't going to help you, or no one else. Especially not that kid in there."
"What about him? He's just a guide I hired."
"And that's all?"
"What else could there be?"
"Just seemed like you two were a little closer. Almost like brothers, or-"
Lionel stood abuptly. "Delicious. My compliments."
"Where're you off to?"
"Outside. The air is refreshing." And it would help him think, but that thought was for his mind alone.
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:55 pm
The night sky had its usual affect on Lionel. As he inhaled the chilled air, a wonderful sense of calm spread over him. Nothing could be truly wrong with the world while something so beautiful existed. Something so relaxing in its silence and majesty.
"Mister Lionel?"
Eyebrows raised, Lionel whirled around. "You should be in- since when do you call me Mister?"
Kinnison hobbled closer, leaning haphazardly on his bow for balance. "Iunno. Jus felt like't I guess."
That was odd, but he chose not to comment. "You should be inside. You're in no shape to be out gallavanting."
"What's that mean?" Edging closer, he crashed down on the wall next to the nobleman.
"It means you should go inside."
"What're you gonna do now?"
The question caught him off guard. "Hm? Well, you'll need time to recover..."
"An yer gonna stay? You dun hatfa, you know." It was colder outside than he'd thought. Kinnison rubbed his hands together, but remained attentive.
"What kind of a... a guardian would I be, if I were to leave my charge here." Before he could be interrupted, Lionel rushed on. "I am aware you may not think so, but upon entering our contract I gained some responsibility. It would take a heartless, callous man to renege on a contract such as that, and Lionel Christian Elijah Henry Anders Winchester is not that, I would hope."
If Lionel was expecting a fight, he would be disappointed. After a few moments of silence, there was only one question. "How come you've got so many names?"
"It was the custom in my time. Why do you have so few?"
"It's all I've got." Kinnison chuckled roughly. "Maybe I should steal one'f yours."
Lionel joined the laughter. "Oh? Which one would you like?"
"Anders." He said it with surprising definition.
So surprising Lionel reacted before he could think. "Very well." Not that he knew how to give away a name, but... it seemed right. "Kinnison Anders."
"I'm not startin a collection." But Kinnison was grinning, even if it was too dark to tell.
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:56 pm
Cecily retied the linen bandages tightly. "You're doing much better today, Master Kinnison. It seems that you'll be able to be up and about again in no time."
"Th-thanks." Despite his soft tone, he was overjoyed. Being forced to sit around in bed all day, for weeks, had been driving him nuts. "Does that mean today?"
The shrill giggles had gotten to Kinnison too, but he allowed the latest outburst to pass. "Lord no, not for a few more days I imagine. Why, is there something you want to do?"
Besides ban the woman from his room? But that was unkind, she really had been amazingly helpful. "Sort of," he finally replied. "I'm helping that guy find something. We're probably gonna take off once I can move around."
"That's odd," Cecily murmured, twiddling her thumbs. "Mister Lionel said that he was going to stay here for a while. Apparently he used to live here."
It would be great once they were moving again, and- "What? You mean... this's what he was lookin for?" That was impossible, wasn't it? Considering the size of the forest, Kinnison was never actually expecting to find the castle in question... and though he wouldn't admit it, he'd become accustomed to Lionel's company.
"He seemed quite certain."
"Oh..." Well, it would have had to end sometime anyway... might as well end sooner, so he wouldn't get attatched. It was like when he had helped that wild dog heal from an broken leg. He'd loved it, and it left him. Now that wouldn't happen, he'd prevented it. Right?
"Can I have lunch now?"
"Why of course, love." Patting her charge on the shoulder with what appeared to be just the right amount of love and tenderness, Cecily gathered her skirts and swept out of the room.
"Hmh... it figures," Kinnison muttered sullenly. His eyes clouded, matching the storm that was brewing outside his window almost exactly in darkness and intensity.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 1:08 pm
It had taken longer than Kinnison had ever imagined, but finally the overcautious Cecily and the doctor allowed him out of bed. His leg was still sore, and walking on it for too long hurt, but he was at least able to hobble around. And once he could, he went everywhere. The castle wasn't enormous, but it was big, with lots of places to get into and explore.
"You're getting hard to keep up with," Godfrey panted as he chased the boy down a flight of stairs. The adults had decided as soon as Kinni set foot out of bed that he shouldn't go anywhere by himself. His wife was cooking lunch, and the new master of the house writing some sort of important letter, so they had both nominated Godfrey for babysitting duties. Lucky him, the burly man thought to himself as he wheezed, keeping one hand on the stair rail for support.
At the bottom of the stairs Kinnison hopped around on his good leg, using his bow for balance. "C'mon, I want to see the bottom today!" If they were going to follow him, fine, but he wouldn't make it easy.
This was just too much. Still panting, Godfrey sat on the bottom step and rested his head against the banister. What he needed was a distraction. "Where'd you get that marvelous thing?" he queried hurriedly, gesturing towards the bow.
"This?" Kinnison looked at the bow as if surprised to see it in his hand. "I've always had it." Was that right?
Kids were so precocious these days. "Maybe I can help you use it," Godfrey suggested. It had to be easier than keeping up with the daily explorations. Besides, defending oneself was something every boy his age should know, and well. And the bow was even his weapon of choice.
"I know how." It was only a half-lie.
"I'd bet I know better."
Kinni wouldn't argue there. Grownups always knew crazy amounts of stuff. And he wouldn't mind getting better. Maybe if he got good enough at hunting he could catch the poachers that set that trap.
"Prove it."
That was a dare if he'd ever heard one. "After lunch."
"Deal." To sweeten the deal, Kinnison recalled something that Lionel had once used on him. "If you can make me better I won't drag you around so much. If not, I get to keep looking around."
"How long have I got?"
A frown. "Half a moon."
Godfrey nodded. "Two weeks. You have yourself a wager, boy."
Kinnison took the extended hand, and shook it firmly even though it threw him off balance. "You've got it."
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