"It doesn�t look good," Nathan confessed sadly. Jackson wiped his hands on a towel and went over to the young lord. "He wasn�t in the best health before and this fever� it�s just takin� what little strength he had right out of him."
Chris nodded at his physician�s assessment of the situation. Shaking his head in dismay, Chris sat in a chair beside the large bed. He sighed deeply. The man�s graying chestnut hair was matted and tangled from his long illness and his skin had taken on an almost translucent sheen. There was no doubt in the duke�s mind that Nathan was correct. Baron Aidan Fitzhugh was dying.
Larabee leaned forward and took the older man�s hand. "Aidan," he said softly.
Fitzhugh opened his eyes and stared up at his lord blearily.
"Aiden," Chris repeated. "Do you know where we can find your grandson?"
The old man nodded weakly. "Monastery," he rasped. "Order of� St. Ian in� Mnemoria."
Chris smiled and patted his old friend�s hand before setting it back on the bed. Standing, he assured the man, "We�ll find him, Aidan. You�re people won�t go un-cared for. I promise."
"Thank you," Aidan rasped, before closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep.
Nathan checked his patient�s vital signs and sighed sadly. Looking up at Chris, he said, "I doubt he�ll wake again."
Chris nodded sadly. "I�ll get the others together. We have to go to Mnemoria and find his grandson. Ezra Standish is going to take his rightful place as Baron of Lanner, if I have tie him up and carry him here, kicking and screaming.
**
Part 2
Chris entered the small Great Hall in Castle Lanner and glanced around at his friends. Sighing, he said, "Lord Aidan is dying."
"What�ll happen to his land?" Buck queried. "His only child was a girl and they aren�t allowed to rule in their own right."
Chris smiled slightly and shrugged. "He has a grandson. We�re going to get him and bring him here. He can take his grandfather�s title." Larabee turned to Josiah before the others could ask any more questions. "What do you know about the Order of St. Ian?" he asked.
The priest frowned. "They�re a Bardic Order, primarily on Mainland Cygma and Mnemoria," Josiah stated. "An odd bunch."
"How so?" Chris asked, taking a seat at the large table, opposite his friends.
"Well," Josiah started. "For one, they don�t take a vow of celibacy. In fact, they�re supposed to get married and have at least two children." Buck whistled in amazement at the thought of a monk having children. Josiah smiled and added, "They also don�t take vows of poverty or simple living. Just about the only vows they take are ones of obedience to the church and that they�ll only use their powers for the betterment of others."
Chris nodded. "Any chance that someone would live at the monastery and not be a member of the order?" he asked hopefully. If Standish had joined holy orders, Chris doubted the man would willingly return to Bostania.
"None whatsoever," Josiah answered firmly. "If Standish is at the Monastery of St. Ian in Mnemoria, he�s definitely a member of the order."
Chris nodded. "I guess we�ll have to convince him to come with us, one way or another," the duke stated.
Vin frowned. "What if he don�t wanna leave?"
"Then we�ll have to kidnap him," Chris said, getting to his feet. "I wanna get back to Opalescent so we can set sail on the next tide. Be ready to leave in an hour; meet down in the courtyard."
As the other men left the room, to prepare for the journey, Vin stood lost in thought. He remembered when, as a small child, he met Lord Aidan. The older man was distinguished and gentile, everything a baron was supposed to be. His daughter, Maude, was rumored to be interested only in appearances and money. Tanner couldn�t help but wonder if Standish hadn�t joined the order to get away from them. If he did, Vin had no doubt Chris would follow through on his threat. Would that only serve to make matters worse in the long run? Vin hoped not. Shaking the thought away, he headed up to his room to prepare for the journey.
**
Part 3
Ezra looked into the wardrobe and sighed wearily. Although he had lots of clothes, the southerner couldn�t find anything to wear for his performance that evening. Perhaps that was part of his problem. He had too many different outfits to decide on just one for the evening.
He finally decided on the red-violet overtunic and black pants. He withdrew the articles of clothing and quietly slipped them on over his crisp white shirt. At the door, he grabbed his black hooded cape. Throwing the garment around his shoulders, he headed out of his cell and down the steps.
Waiting patiently for him outside was his beloved horse, Abernathy. He easily climbed onto the animal�s back and the two headed for the tavern in town, where Ezra would entertain the locals and seek out new Bards for his order.
**
Hiding in bushes not far away, four men watched the departing monk. "Think that�s him?" Vin whispered.
"It�s gotta be," Chris replied. "He looks like a very young version of his grandfather."
"So we follow him," Buck stated, standing upright and heading for his horse.
Chris nodded and also headed over to where the horses were tethered. Vin paused and touched Josiah�s shoulder. "Monsignior," he whispered. "What if he don�t wanna come with us? Chris wants to force him, but�" The young man looked as though he were at a loss, then finished with, "That just wouldn�t be right."
Josiah sighed. "Chris is thinking about what�s best for the people of Lanner," he stated softly. "Hopefully, we�ll be able to make Ezra see that all this is necessary."
"Yeah," Vin replied softly, as the large man headed over to where Chris and Buck were waiting. "Hopefully."
**
It was nearly dawn when Ezra finally made his way out of the small wayside tavern to head for home. Although the evening had gone well for him, he hadn�t found the bardling that Father Allian had sensed in the village.
It was possible that the youngster, whomever they were, had simply not been in the crowd, but Ezra still felt a little perturbed at the wasted time. It meant he�d have to come back out on another night.
Walking into the stable, he called to Abernathy. "Hello, old friend," he said cheerily. "We�d best be heading back or the good father will have my hide for missing Morning Song again."
The horse nickered softly and nuzzled against his chest.
Ezra patted the animal�s flank then began to guide him out of the stall. At first Abernathy followed happily; then he stopped and his ears flattened against his head.
"What?" Ezra asked, looking over his shoulder. He gasped at the sight of four strange men standing in the doorway. "What do you want?" he asked, turning around to face them.
"I�m Chris Larabee," said a tall man, who was dressed completely in black. In the dimly lit stable, his fair complexion and blond hair made him look almost sinister. "I�m the Duke of Tuam in Bostania," he added.
Ezra frowned. "My mother is from Tuam," he stated softly. "I�m familiar with the place. What brings you to Mnemoria, your grace?"
Chris opened his mouth to say something, but Vin cut him off. "You�re grandfather is dying," he stated gently.
Ezra�s eyes widened and he nodded once. "I suppose you think I should see him before he passes away?" he asked in a small voice.
Josiah nodded, going along with Vin�s line of thinking, he added, "Lord Aidan asked to see you."
Ezra nodded again and said, "Let me retrieve some of my things from the Abbey and we�ll leave right after Morning Song."
Chris tipped his head to one side. "Alright," he stated. "We�ll go with you."
The southerner nodded and turned back to Abernathy. "See," he said, brushing the horse�s mane with his fingers. "They didn�t mean me any harm." The horse snorted, but allowed its master to lead it the rest of the way out.
As Ezra climbed onto the animal�s back, Vin said, "Smart horse."
"You have no idea," Ezra stated, grinning mischievously.
**
Part 4
The bells of the Abbey were ringing as they rode up to the gates. The monk that was acting as gatekeeper opened them and smiled up at Ezra. "Late again, Brother?" he teased.
Ezra sighed and muttered, "Go to hell, Ryan." The other monk chuckled and Ezra hopped off of Abernathy�s back. "I lost track of time while was at the tavern. There was this dice game and �"
"Ezra!" the other man exclaimed. "You know what Father Allian said about your gambling!"
Ezra rolled his eyes and smirked. Shrugging, he said, "What can I say, Brother Ryan? It�s my nature. I just can�t help myself."
Ryan shook his head. "Hurry up, Ezra, or Brother Allian will be making you muck out the stables as penance."
Ezra made a disgusted face and scampered across the yard into the chapel. Chris inclined his head at Ryan. "We�ve come to escort Ezra to Tuam," he explained. "His grandfather needs to see him before he dies."
Ryan frowned and nodded, seeming sobered by the news. "Of course," he said. "You are quite welcome to join us for Morning Song, if you wish."
Josiah smiled warmly. "Thank you, Brother," he rumbled. "I believe I will."
Vin caught Chris� arm and whispered, "I�m going to try and find Ezra�s room and pack some things for him."
Chris nodded and, as Vin headed into the main part of the Abbey, he followed Buck and Josiah into the chapel. Ezra stopped at the door and turned to stare at Chris in disbelief. "You can�t come to Morning Song dressed like that!" he exclaimed.
Chris frowned. "What�s wrong with it?"
"You look like a creature from the deepest hell," Ezra replied. "That�s what�s wrong with it!"
"I wear what I want," Chris said firmly.
Ezra scowled and muttered, "Fine, you�re the duke, I�m just a monk."
"That�s right," Chris growled. "Remember that!"
As Chris strode past him into the chapel, Ezra muttered, "And you can go to hell too!"
Chris didn�t seem to hear the comment, but Josiah did and he stared at the monk in surprise. Ezra shrugged and fairly skipped into the chapel. The service was longer than Chris expected, but he found the experience enjoyable. Each of the brothers and sisters in the order took a turn singing during it. The service concluded with everyone singing a hymn praising God for the new day.
Ezra headed out into the courtyard, with Chris and the others close behind, just as the sun was rising. Yawning broadly, he mumbled, "I hate mornings."
Chris chuckled. "It might be easier on you if you didn�t stay awake until all hours of the night," he pointed out.
Ezra shrugged and replied, "Where would the fun be in that? Excitement always happens at night."
Chris scowled, but let the comment slide. "We have to be going," he stated firmly.
Ezra sighed and nodded. "I just have to get my things."
"Already have �em," Vin said, handing a travel bag over to the other man.
Standish frowned slightly. "How do you know they�re mine?" he asked.
Vin smiled. "Sister Rebecca showed me where your room was," he explained. "I packed anything that looked at all important."
Ezra hooked the bag to Abernathy�s saddle and they rode out of the courtyard, headed for the coast; and the next ship to Bostonia. As they reached the docks, Ezra frowned at Vin and asked, "How long do you anticipate that I�ll have to stay in Tuam?"
Vin blinked in surprise, not quite sure how to answer the question. Up until Ezra had asked directly, they�d been able to skirt around the fact that he probably would not return to Mnemoria. Now that he had, Vin didn�t know what to say. He turned to his brother for assistance.
The duke smiled and pointed up at a large sailing vessel. "That�s our ship," he stated. "The Bright Jewel."
Ezra glanced at the ship and nodded admiringly. "She looks very well crafted," he replied melodiously.
Buck blinked in shook at the southerner and asked, "You know about boats?"
"Ships," Ezra corrected absently. "And yes, my father�s family are all privateers. I practically grew up onboard ships."
"Let�s go," Chris said softly. He swung down from his saddle and strode across the docks to the gangplank.
While everyone else seemed content to leave their horses there, since they�d only borrowed them for their stay in Mnemoria, Ezra clutched his reigns tightly and cleared his throat. "I�m not leaving Abernathy," he stated firmly.
Chris frowned and said, "You can�t take a horse on a ship, Ezra."
"I�ve had him since I was a boy, your grace," Ezra protested. "I�m not going anywhere without him."
Buck frowned and asked, "Just how do you intend to get him to go on board? It isn�t as though he�ll willingly cross over the water on the gangplank."
Ezra scowled. "Go to hell," he muttered and tugged firmly on the reigns of his horse. Abernathy eyed the water suspiciously, but followed Ezra up onto the deck and down into the large cargo hold.
"Well, I�ll be�" Buck mumbled, as he and the others trailed along behind Ezra in amazement.
Ezra smiled at Buck and said, "He�ll go where I tell him to, Lord Wilmington."
"I�m starting to get that picture," the baron replied in amazement.
**
Part 5
By that evening, the small ship had reached the capitol of Tuam. Chris had asked Nathan to move Baron Aiden there, to facilitate Ezra�s visit. Somehow the duke wasn�t surprised to see his healer waiting at the door when they entered the courtyard.
"Your grace," Nathan said, by way of welcome.
"How is he?" Chris asked.
Nathan shook his head. "I don�t think he�ll last the night," the healer replied.
Ezra cleared his throat and asked, "May I see him?"
"You�re the grandson?" Nathan asked. At Ezra�s silent nod, he added, "He hasn�t woken up since before Chris left, but he may know you�re there on some level. I�ll show you the way."
"Thank you," Ezra replied.
As the two made their way into the castle at up to the sick room, Vin asked, "When do you plan on telling him the real reason we brought him here?"
Chris sighed. "Not until we have to," he replied softly.
**
Ezra and Nathan came down several hours later, to find Chris and the others sitting quietly in the Great Hall. "H-he woke up briefly," Ezra stated softly.
Chris frowned and asked, "Was he able to speak?"
Ezra shook his head sadly and Nathan said, "But he seemed comforted knowing that Ezra was here now."
Chris nodded and opened his mouth to say something else, only to be interrupted by Ezra�s soft voice. "He�s dead," the southerner breathed.
Chris nodded again and said, "Ezra, I need to discuss something with you and I can�t put it off any longer."
"What?" Ezra asked, taking a seat opposite the duke.
Chris locked eyes with the younger man. "You�re grandfather was a baron," Chris stated. "His only child was your mother. Do you have any older siblings?"
Ezra shook his head in confusion. "I-I have a twin sister," he replied. "She�s twenty-nine minutes older than me, but that�s all." Looking up from his hands, he asked, "Why do you ask?"
Chris sighed. "Women can�t carry titles in Bostania," he explained.
Ezra immediately got to his feet. "Oho no," he said, holding up a hand to forestall further conversation. "I don�t anything about being a baron. I�m a bard and-and a monk and that�s all I plan to be. I�m not going to �" Ezra broke off and shook his head. "Why me?" he asked plaintively.
"The only way your sister can take the throne is if she�s wed," Chris stated, rising to his feet. "Is she?"
Ezra shook his head and argued, "But I don�t want to be a baron!"
"It�s you duty," Buck pointed out.
When Ezra looked like he was going to continue his protests, Vin got to his feet. "Ezra," he said in a reasonable tone of voice. When the smaller man turned to face him, he said, "Think about the people of Lanner, Ezra. They�re poor and most of them are half starvin�."
"They are?" Ezra whispered in disbelief.
Vin nodded and went on. "You grandfather was sick for a long time, �fore it got this desperate. He had advisors making all the decisions and the only thing they cared about was linin� their own pockets."
Ezra�s eyes narrowed and he thought about his mother. As much as he loved her and although he knew she loved him, money was the only thing that had ever seemed important to her. She did whatever she had to in order to get it. The one thing she never did, however, was steal outright. The thought that his grandfather�s advisors had taken advantage of his failing health to just that made his blood boil. "Fine," he growled.
"Fine what?" Chris asked, surprised by the sudden turn around.
"Fine," Ezra repeated, locking eyes with the duke. "I�ll be the baron," he said. "But only on one condition."
"And that is?" Chris asked.
"I pick my advisors," the southerner stated firmly. "I don�t care what their station in life is supposed to be, if they are suited to a job, I�m giving it to them."
Chris nodded. "That seems like a reasonable request," he said. "We�ll hold the ceremony after the standard mourning period."
Ezra nodded and retook his seat.
Chris smiled slightly and said, "Now that we�ve got that mess cleared up, we have something else to decide."
"And what would that be, your grace?" Ezra asked tiredly.
"Well," Chris said. "All my barons hold some position within my court, whether it�s as a military aide or a member of my council."
Ezra frowned suspiciously. "What position did you have in mind for me?" he asked, suddenly wary.
Chris smiled. "Well, you seemed to have problems with my choice in clothing."
"It�s black!" Ezra said. "With your complexion, you look like some kind of ghoul come back to torture the living. If you wore white, you could look like an angel!"
Chris nodded. "You can be my wardrober, then."
"Your�" Ezra started, staring at him blankly for a moment. "I�d have to pick out what you wear?" When Chris nodded again, he shook his head. "But, why a wardrober? Why not a member of your council or�or something else other than a wardrober!"
Chris smiled. "If someone is suited to a job, they should have it," he stated firmly.
Ezra grumbled under his breath and shook his head. Rising to his feet, he said, "I�m going to bed."
"By your leave?" Nathan prompted.
"Go to hell," Ezra replied without missing a beat. "I�m tired."
Buck blinked in surprise and started laughing as the southerner stormed out of the room. "He really likes that phrase, doesn�t he?" the baron commented.
"Buck," Chris said softly. As his longtime friend turned to him, Chris said, "I think he�s going to make a very�interesting baron."
End