Out of the Woods (The Coalescence Book 1) Read online

  Everyone had moved into the house behind the bakery. They were sitting at the large dinner table. A thing that he’d made for them, along with the chairs, for the last Noram Day. It was polished with a hard finish and had some fancy scroll work on it. The chairs were plain, but solid and held under even the Count’s great weight. Not that he was fat or even thick bodied. The man was lean and tall, which made him about twice the size of Carlisle. He was the biggest person in the immediate family. A full inch taller than his father.

  Maggie, his mother, fussed and moved around the table pouring cider for each of them, except Dumas, who was happy with water, it looked like. Interestingly, it wasn’t the giant Count who spoke, but the smaller Countess.

  “I should just get into it?” She glanced at her brother, not the rest of them. It got a slow and begrudging nod.

  Then his father rolled his eyes a bit.

  “I suppose we should?” He repeated himself in Home Tongue for those that didn’t understand it. Carl and their mother, from the expressions on their faces.

  Then, slowly, the whole tale came out.

  “I grew up in Two Bends. My mother and father ran the local bakery there. I’ve mentioned that part to you all.” He glanced around, even though it was true enough. That was so far away that they’d never gone to visit anyone, but it really had been mentioned. “The thing there is that, when I was about eighteen, my mother… It turned out that she’s the heir to Lairdgren County. Conserina First. That made me Countier Second. Except that I wasn’t ready for that kind of thing. I’d lived my whole life in the woods. So I gave that up and moved here, to start my life. Besides, mother is immortal. Born that way, not made so by magic. So I wasn’t really going to inherit anything.”

  He shrugged then, and tucked his pipe between his teeth. That stayed unlit, since they were inside. The bakery was just out front and tobacco might flavor the bread. Hemp as well, which was often what was smoked in that area. It grew there, making it far cheaper.

  Countess Thomson nodded then.

  “Exactly. We all thought that was the case, too. That Teral had given up his claim and that it was properly registered. Until the Major Domo called to our attention that no such paperwork is on record. Apparently Count Lairdgren, the old count, hadn’t gotten around to actually stripping that away from you as you asked him to. In fact, it seems that he rather left papers with the new count, asking that he not allow that either. No one knew about it, until a few days ago.”

  Willum understood the words, repeating them for his older brother. Interestingly, when Carlisle asked what that meant, in Home Tongue, Dumas was the one that explained it to him. Speaking in the same language that Carl had asked the question in. Perfectly.

  “It means that your father is second in line for County Lairdgren still. Countier Second. You’re Countier Third Lairdgren. Willum is Countier Fourth and Diana is Conserina Fifth. Don’t get confused there, a Conserina is just saying she’s a girl. It seems that the old count wanted your da in the mix, so set it up that he can’t get out of it. That doesn’t really change anything for you, though. Except that you all kind of have to come to the wedding, being related by blood to Dare. You’d have come anyway, once you knew about it, right? So even that isn’t a big thing.”

  It was spoken quickly, since everything was in Home Tongue. Interestingly, Carl relaxed a lot then. As if the news wasn’t mind boggling.

  “Oh? That’s fine then. I can help bake for it? Where will it be held?”

  Count Thomson, who hadn’t really said much, probably understanding it was a family matter, even if he was technically part of that, smiled then.

  The language he spoke was understandable, even if the accent was really different than the local version of Home Tongue. It was clearly still that same basic thing however. Just with a Thomson spin on the whole thing.

  “It’s being held in three locations. The Capital City, since Karina is a princess here in Noram. Also on the Moon and Mars. Karina is the ancient of the farthest world. Dareg is a prince of Harmony. The Moon?”

  Will wanted to frown then, but schooled his face and turned the doubt he felt into a bit of a grin. If they were expected to travel there, then there had to be some kind of provision for that. Elsewise they couldn’t make it. Maybe to the Capital City, since that was potentially a place they could walk to, but not the rest.

  “That’s going to lead to some sore feet.”

  Dumas laughed, getting it.

  “No doubt! Clemance has that for us all, though. He’s in charge of the transport node system. Dareg built it. The… It’s fascinating. There are these little magic huts. You walk into one, push the sigil to go where you want and then you appear there, instantly.”

  That got a big nod from the older boy. His version of Home Tongue was clearer than his father’s if not as smooth and quick as that being used by his little brother.

  “I have one with me, to be set up here? Dare wants to make sure that we all understand that anyone can use them? The Villagers here, too?” That seemed a strange thing to say, but after a bit Willum got it.

  “So it isn’t just for the high types, but everyone? That’s… Honest told, that’s kinder than I’d have thought of a wizard being. Then, maybe not. Didn’t Tim the Wizard give food to the entire world once?” Not even that long ago, most of what Pine Creek had been eating day to day had come from the devices that particular man had created.

  Dumas just nodded.

  “Yes. Dareg is like that as well. Very nice. Most of the family is, really. Over all, Clem is pretty much the sourpuss. Don’t you agree brother?” The words were spoken seriously, without a smile being involved.

  The would-be sourface grinned at the words.

  “I told Dumas that he couldn’t just travel around using the transport system without permission from father. I think he’s taken that as a personal affront. It isn’t like he’ll never let you go anywhere. I just don’t want to be the one responsible for losing an entire brother. That’s all.”

  There was a bit of grumbling from the smaller boy then, as the adults, all of them, looked away, hiding smiles. As if the idea of going places like that wasn’t incredible enough to make it a thing that a person might want to do.

  The Count nodded then.

  “You have to travel with a grown attendant. Especially if you travel to the new fleet. They have different rules than we do.” That part wasn’t explained at all to them. Then, Diana had mentioned that bit to them, having heard from Mrs. Sams…

  Who apparently got her information from Countess Thomson. This time it didn’t really make him upset like it had before. He kind of understood. After all, his father had given up the royal life, never having lived it. That made a certain homey kind of sense. The forest was a good place to live as far as he could tell.

  The thing there was that his father’s sister wanted what was best by her estimation for her family. So she’d made certain to put in a talented teacher for them. One that had come originally from the city. A person versed in languages, lore and proper manners. The kind of thing that a person who had fine family might be expected to produce at some point. Then this new bit came to light, making that learning far more valuable suddenly.

  Being upset over it now didn’t make a lot of sense. In fact, he felt keenly embarrassed over losing his composure earlier. No one had mentioned it however, so he didn’t either. Even his da hadn’t taken him to task for it. That would probably be coming, after the guests left.

  Interestingly, Clemance stood up then.

  “Where would this be best placed? In front of the bakery here? That makes sense. Several others come out right next to bake shops in different locations. The one in Warden for instance. On Harmony it’s right next to the Magic shop, just doors down from Tor’s bakery.” He asked the room, but was mainly focused on his uncle.

  Will’s da.

  There was a slow nod then, and a deep inhalation.

  “That would be fine, I’m certain. Perhaps�
�� Will, can you go and learn to use these things? Then you can show the others here, later?”

  It wasn’t a command at all, as if his father feared that he would feel too timid for that kind of thing. Then, it was clear that Carl really did feel that way. Diana probably less so. Like him, she was a rather poor example of what commoners were like. They were both rather loud and pushy, compared to their neighbors. So it made sense to him when she stood up as well.

  “I can go along? If that’s…” She seemed to think she might not be welcome.

  Dumas nodded however.

  “This seems like a good excuse to go to some places, don’t you think father? Certainly Willum counts as an adult for this?” He spoke rather firmly, considering the man might just say no.

  Will was a grown man of seventeen, true. That didn't mean he was an expert as far as these new magics went. On the good side he could speak most languages, which was possibly helpful suddenly. A thing that sprang to mind.

  The Count gave a seated bow.

  “He would, indeed be of age for that. You might wish to ask him if he wishes you to attend with him?”

  Dumas didn’t speak about it, just glancing at him, looking hopeful.

  So he stood up himself, carefully.

  “That sounds like a great plan then. How large is this magical structure? We could make a platform for it from focus stone, if needs be?”

  It turned out that the thing wasn’t big, though Clemance was thrilled that Will jogged into the house and borrowed a focus stone making device, then compacted the ground into a smooth spot that glistened in the afternoon dappled sunlight. It came through the trees, which waved gently in the breeze.

  The structure itself was red, with a dark roof on it. Solid seeming, but not like glass, focus stone or wood at all. Instead the thing felt odd to him when he touched it. Like it was hollow inside the walls. He didn’t remark on that, since Clemance held up a finger first.

  “One bit. I need to get some things for everyone. I’ll be about ten minutes?”

  That meant standing there, though Dumas smiled at the idea.

  “Right. There are certain places that you don’t go without a shield. Harmony and Mars. Any of the space stations as well. The good shields won’t just stop someone from hitting you, they’ll hold air near you and keep it clean. Also protect from sunlight, let you fly and a lot of other things. Tim Baker made them. The laws of Harmony and Mars both require everyone going there to be wearing one at all times. If you don’t have one on, they’ll toss you outside to teach you a lesson. That means dying, so not a lot of people forget to wear theirs.” He was joking, it was clear. Though only on part of it. “On the good side they hand the things out for free. You’ll need to go and put in work to earn it, wherever Clem gets them from. It’s worth it, however.”

  That took a bit to understand, but by the time Clemance came back, the front of the red hut opening to the world, Will had the basic concept down. Harmony and Mars didn’t use gold or silver. Instead they both gave you whatever you needed. It was provided by magic, so in return you had to go and work for the things, helping out each society. That way life would keep flowing.

  When the taller of his new cousins, or at least recently found, since they’d always been his relatives, even if it had been unknown to him, came back, he was grinning.

  Also holding several things in his right hand. Tiles that were on simple hemp strings. Well, two of the things were on silver chains, but Will was passed one of the rougher looking amulets. Diana, oddly wasn’t. She got a fancy one. Clemance grinned at her.

  “The other silver is for your mother. Aunt Trice sent them along for you. Also with a request that we make one of the stops today her shop, so that we can meet with her and Uncle Timon.”

  It sort of made sense that a magic shop would have a wizard near it. Dumas helped Diana get her necklace on. It was needed, but almost got him hit. By Will. For touching her. The only thing that stopped that from happening was that the boy was incredibly careful not to let any part of him do more than graze the girl. She was several years older than the boy was, but his size made it seem a bit inappropriate anyway. Which the kid looked to understand.

  “The rules here are different, correct? As for contact and all that? In different places that will change, so be ready for that. Some are like here, where touching a person of a different sex is rude. In other places, like in the Capital or on Harmony, you’ll find that you’re expected and required to touch others. Don’t get confused between places. The rules will change on you without warning, so be prepared for that.”

  Will thought he understood the idea. At least in theory. Some places would have things like shaking hands instead of bowing. They did that in Pine Creek. Even with strangers. Bowing was the odd and fancy thing to do. Only men did that though, really. It was possible that in different locations he’d be expected to do that with women as well. He could handle that, if it came up. At least now that he’d been warned.

  Interestingly, the first place they went wasn’t the Moon at all.

  Clemance touched a blue arrow, which got names of places to move up and down the wall. It was fascinating to see. There had to be hundreds of them. Finally, after half a minute of moving downward, he found the one he wanted.

  “Thomson Residence. This one is actually the Capital house. You’ll be staying there when you come to visit? That or at Tor’s, most likely.” The name glowed as the boy explained the situation. “Once the place is picked like this, you just hit the star there to the right and…”

  Will was being looked at, so he did it. Concentrating on activating the thing, since that was how magic worked. After a second the door behind them opened. Onto a street. It simply wasn’t the one that had been behind them a moment before.

  Dumas stepped out, smiling.

  “This is the Capital. You should look around for a bit. I know that it was hard for me to believe that I was in a different place the first time I did it. This isn’t just a seeming though. Not a trick or hallucination. We’re really here.” He waved to a passerby, a man in a cart, who nodded a bit briskly back.

  That was a bit cool of a reception, but not evil or anything. Just a little bit strained. The boys both walked toward the front gate. Dumas talking as they did.

  “If you need anything, we should be here over the next few months. That, or up in Lairdgren for language lessons. Really, you should both get in on that as well. I can ask after that for you? We’re learning English, which is a dead language. Except that some of the people attending the wedding will be speaking it.”

  Willum glanced over at the boy, thinking about things then.

  “From the new fleet?” It made sense, but got a head shake.

  “You’d think that, right? No… It’s a bit hard to explain, but some people have been coming from other worlds. Like ours, but different? I know that sounds like a joke, but it really isn’t. Anyway, the guards here will be able to recognize you both, once you meet.”

  The men inside the gate, both of them, stood very straight suddenly. Clemance was the one to do the introductions needed.

  “These are Countier Lairdgren Willum Baker and his sister, Conserina Diana Baker. They should be in and out of here often, so…”

  The man on the right, who didn’t look all that old smiled. It seemed professional, rather than happy.

  “Very good, Countier Thomson. Countier Lairdgren, Conserina Lairdgren.”

  That seemed good enough, apparently, since the boys moved back then. Dumas spoke as soon as they were back at the red box, which was only about twenty feet down the way, outside the black metal fence that guarded the nice looking house within.

  “We should introduce you around, while we’re here. I…” He looked away then, clearly thinking. Then he shrugged. “Here. Let’s make some calls first?”

  That had him pulling a small device out of a side pocket. The boy tapped it for a bit, the glowing surface moving around as he did that. Then, after a few moments,
a face appeared. It was a good, solid seeming picture, of a man with red hair. That was long, coppery and remarkably well groomed. He had on some kind of very formal seeming blue top. Like a tight jacket that had brass buttons on it.

  “Alphonse Cordes. How may I aid you this day?”

  Holding the device, Dumas bowed to the thing in his hand.

  “Hello. I’m Countier Second Thomson, Dumas Thomson. I believe we’ve met?”

  The man lit up a good bit then.

  “Ah! We have. Recently in fact. What can I do for you today?” If there was a dubious tone to the words, it was really hard to pick out.

  “We’re taking our cousins around to meet people. It turns out that my mother’s brother Teral was never actually stripped of his rank as he requested…”

  That got a nod then.

  “I’ve heard that one. So the father and the children are stuck with unexpected nobility. It was in the dying request of Count Lairdgren not to let them out of it I’m afraid, so I can’t really go against that.”

  Dumas grinned.

  “Which might not go over well with some of them. The two with us seem willing to help with the coming wedding however? Their older sibling, as well. Countier Third, Lairdgren. Carlisle Baker. He’s put them forth to help with the baking needs of the day.” There was a hint of a grin, which the boy was fighting from his face pretty hard.

  The man, Alphonse Cordes, who at the very least shared the name and face of the heir to Noram, smiled then. He nodded as well.

  “A most kind and gentle offer. One that I know I certainly won’t be turning away. I’d love to meet with them. You say that you have two of them with you?” It had just been mentioned, but Dumas didn’t act like the man was being slow. In fact, he probably wasn’t doing that at all. If anything the fellow was indicating it was time for them to be the topic.

  “Indeed. Willum and Diana. Both wonderful people. Would you be available to dine with us tonight, Prince Alphonse? Perhaps your wife and Benjamin could attend as well? If that isn’t precluded by other plans or duties, of course.”