Jarryd: Chapter 9
The next day, Jarryd cut his workday short and headed into town mid-afternoon. Theo’s wagon was parked in its usual spot in the shade of a large elm tree at the edge of the village. The wagon was easy to see, being painted bright red, with yellow wheels and trim. On the side it said Tinker Theo’s Treasures.
Theo had the sides of the wagon open, revealing numerous shelves, drawers, and cubby holes of various sizes, all stuffed with various treasures he acquired on his journeys. On a table he’d set up beside the wagon were the more mundane items, cook pots, cutlery, kitchen knives and so on.
Theo was helping Vern, Delthy’s husband, when Jarryd showed up. The big farmer had his shapeless old hat off and was holding it bunched in one hand. He looked sorrowful.
“The Missus is mighty sore at me, Theo. I was hoping you’d have something I could give her that would change some of those barbs for smiles.”
“I absolutely do.” Theo opened one of the small drawers in the side of the wagon and pulled out a brooch. It was a small butterfly, carved from the shell of some aquatic creature.
Vern took it and held it up. “I don’t know how, Theo, but you did it again. This is perfect. Delthy loves butterflies. I would never have thought of something like this.” He got a sheepish look on his face. “Here I was kind of thinking about getting her a new frying pan.”
“Giving a weapon to a woman is who angry with you?” Theo said. “That does not seem wise.”
Vern laughed and scratched his thick neck. “Thanks to you, I get to keep my skull uncracked. How much do you want for it?”
They haggled for a bit, then Vern walked off whistling. Theo turned to Jarryd.
“You came.”
Jarryd raised his hands. “How could I not?” He felt awkward, exposed. “What are these things you want to talk about?”
“In my recent travels, I ran into an old friend who spends time in Tirania. He had many tales to tell.”
“Like you then, I suppose. Some of them were probably even true.” Jarryd heard how stiff and unfriendly he sounded, but he couldn’t help himself. Having people know his secrets made him nervous.
Theo put one hand on Jarryd’s forearm, only a light touch before moving away. “I am, and have always been, your friend. You and your parents. You know that, right?”
Jarryd took a deep breath and relaxed some. “Yes. You have. I do know that.”
“This friend of mine had come recently from Tirania. It seems the Knights of Dragonwatch are being resurrected by a man named Kathor. Kathor claims to have been in Mocte’el when the Emperor was defeated. In fact, it seems he and three other Knights brought down the Emperor and ended the threat of the Dragon Queen.”
“That’s interesting.” Jarryd didn’t really want to hear this.
“One of those Knights was named Jarryd.”
“Really? Probably a common name in that part of the world.”
Theo gazed at him for long moments. His eyes were very piercing.
“People around here say you fought a dragon.”
“People say a lot of things.”
“So, it wasn’t you?”
Jarryd looked away. Theo’s gaze was almost painful. He wanted to lie, but he’d sworn he wouldn’t do that anymore. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Fair enough. Would you mind if I talked? I have some things to share you may find interesting.”
Jarryd crossed his arms. “I’ll listen.”
“Twenty-some years ago I was on the south side of the Blade Mountains, on the road that leads to Knights’ Keep. I encountered a young couple traveling with an infant. I could see they were low on supplies. They didn’t have much beyond the child and what they carried on their backs. It looked to me like they were fleeing something and had to leave suddenly. I shared some food with them and went on my way.”
Now he had Jarryd’s full attention. Jarryd was staring at him.
“Months later, I came to Creekside and saw that same couple. Knowing they were hiding, I never said anything to them or anyone else.”
Jarryd took a deep breath and uncrossed his arms. “Thank you for that.”
“I want you to know that you can trust me with your secret.”
Jarryd nodded slowly. “I want to believe you. I hope you’re telling the truth.”
“Would it help if I shared my secret with you?”
“I guess.”
“I did not run into your parents on that road by accident. I was guided there by a…a feeling.”
Jarryd frowned. “A feeling?”
Theo shrugged. “You could call it a vision, or a premonition, but I did not see anything or have any vivid dreams. It was just a very strong feeling that they were important. I had no idea why, but I learned long ago to trust these feelings.”
Suddenly, all the pieces came together for Jarryd. He looked at the brightly painted wagon with new eyes. It even showed slightly in Theo’s features.
“You’re Nagyar, aren’t you?”
“Thank you for not calling me a skrull. Yes, I am. Half, anyway. My father was not.”
“Why don’t you live with your people?”
Theo made a gesture. “When I was young and hotheaded, I vied with another young man for the love of a beautiful woman. Regretful things occurred, and I had to leave.”
“You have the Sight.”
“I have some small skill in it. Usually, it relates to my trade. Sometimes, I see an item for sale, and I have an image, a glimpse of someone holding that item. I’ve learned to trust those glimpses. The brooch I just sold Vern is one example.”
“You bought that because you knew Vern would want it?”
“I did.”
More pieces clicked into place for Jarryd. “When you sold the Knights’ Code book to my father…was that one of those times?”
“It was.”
“And the map that showed me where Knights’ Keep is?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know Gran?”
“I know who she is. I know she and her clan wintered far north of their normal range two winters ago. I assume you met her after fleeing here?”
Jarryd laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “I have to say, between you and Gran, I feel a little manipulated. And that’s not even talking about the Dragon Queen and the way she was using me.”
“I don’t blame you. It would be normal to be angry. But it had to be done.”
“Yeah. I know. It doesn’t make me feel better.” He looked down at his hands, thinking. “I think the reason I don’t want anyone here to know what I did is I just want to put it all behind me. I want to live my own life, you know. It’s hard finding out people have been watching you and pulling your strings your whole life. It makes me wonder what is real.”
“Again, I don’t blame you. It wasn’t fair to you.”
“But I also know if you and Gran hadn’t gotten involved, the Queen would probably have won. I had no chance against her by myself.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Thanks for telling me. And I appreciate that you’re going to keep it to yourself. I know how you love stories.”
“I am a storyteller, it is true. But I do not have loose lips. I wish no harm on anyone.”
“And I know that. Sorry if I got a little tense there.”
“It is quite all right. You have endured a great deal. It’s fair to want to rest.”
“Unless there’s something else, I need to go help at the inn now. If you have any more visions, or feelings, that relate to me, please tell me.”
“I will. But before you leave, isn’t there something here you need?”
Jarryd blinked at him. “I don’t think so.”
“Ah, my mistake. You already have an engagement gift for your bride, then.”
“An engagement what? I’m not engaged.”
“But you soon will be?”
“What makes you think that? I haven’t told anyone. Is this another one of your feelings?”
Theo smiled. “I don’t need the Sight to know some things. I saw you two last night, how you act around each other. I am an old man, but I’m not that old. You two are meant to be together.”
“I’ve been trying to find a good time to ask her, but we’re always so busy. I totally forgot about the gift. You’re right. I need something. I can’t believe I almost made that mistake.” He winced. “Sometimes, I don’t know where my head is at.”
“I have just the thing.” From his pocket, Theo took a velvet bag. He pulled a necklace from the bag and handed it to Jarryd.
On a gold chain was a pendant depicting two birds in flight, enclosed in a heart. Tiny gemstones were set into the pendant. The workmanship was exquisite.
“This is…it’s lovely. But there’s no way I can afford it.”
Theo handed him the velvet bag. “It is my gift to you. Call it my way of apologizing for what I’ve done to you.”
Jarryd tried to hand it back. “I couldn’t.”
“You can. And you will. Besides, I got it for you. If you don’t take it, what will I do with it? I must carry everything with me, you know.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
Theo smiled warmly. “Save your words for your proposal.”
Jarryd headed for the inn, his thoughts whirling. Theo’s revelations were unsettling, to say the least. His concerns must have been apparent on his face because he’d hardly set foot in the Red Eel before Kath came hurrying up.
“Is everything okay?”
He came out of his thoughts and looked at her. “I guess.”
“You look upset. Come on. Tell me about it.” The place was empty. She led him to a table in the corner.
“I went to see Tinker Theo.”
“You said he wanted to talk to you about something.”
“He definitely did. He talked about a whole lot of stuff.” Jarryd rubbed his eyes. “Where do I start? How about this? It wasn’t just the Dragon Queen and Gran who were watching me. And manipulating me. Yeah, let’s call it that. Because that’s what it is.”
There was confusion on Kath’s face. “Theo?”
“It turns out he’s Nagyar too. Half, anyway. And he has the Sight.”
“He’s a skr—I mean a Nagyar?”
“Remember, I told you how my parents worked at Knights’ Keep? Pythas warned them trouble was coming, and they fled right after I was born. Theo met them on the road and gave them food. Because he had a feeling there was something important about them.”
“Really? That’s incredible.”
“There’s more. He’s the one who suggested the Knights’ Code book to my father. And he’s the one who gave me the map showing where Knights Keep is.” Jarryd’s expression was grim. “Is there anyone in this town who wasn’t manipulating me?”
She put her hand over his. “I see why you’re upset.”
“I know it’s stupid. I mean, the life of one person doesn’t matter at all when it comes to stopping the Dragon Queen. But I spent so much of the last couple years feeling like I was dancing on someone else’s strings. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get away from it. I only sank deeper. It was awful.” He put his head on his arms.
Kath moved her chair closer and put an arm around him.
He looked up at her, anguished. “It’s not right. I was only a child. I shouldn’t have had to go through that. They stole my childhood. I’m angry. And I’m…I don’t know. Sad too, maybe.”
“I don’t blame you one bit.”
“But I also know they didn’t mean me any harm. Gran said how hard it was to watch and not help. And if they hadn’t done anything, I almost certainly would have fallen under the Dragon Queen’s sway. I would have become an evil thing, a monster. I’m grateful they saved me from that. But I still feel angry. It doesn’t make any sense.”
“I think it does. I think it’s okay to understand and be angry at the same time. You didn’t get to have a normal childhood. You were caught in powerful forces at such a young age. Maybe the anger you feel is a desire to protect that child. You told me how alone you always felt.”
He thought about this, then nodded. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right.”
“It will take some time, but it will pass. You’ll find a way to reconcile with that child.”
Jarryd shook his head. “How did you get so wise?”
She smiled. “It comes with serving drinks. People tell me all sorts of things.”
“I see why.” He hugged her. “I still can’t believe you waited for me. You must have had men from two towns away chasing you.”
She held up three fingers. “More like three towns away. I heard some hopeful suitors traveled from beyond the Blade Mountains.”
The way she said it, the look on her face, made Jarryd laugh. “Thank you. I feel lots better now.”
“That’s good. Because there’s someone who wants to talk to you.”
“That sounds ominous. Is it a mysterious stranger? A dragon?”
“Worse.” She paused for dramatic effect. “My mother.”
“Really?” Jarryd had not seen her mother since returning. She was always in bed.
“She felt well enough today to get up. She’s sitting out back in the garden. She told me if you showed up early enough, to send you to her.”
“Okay. That’s great she’s feeling better.” He stood up, feeling a little anxious but trying not to show it. “Let’s do this.”
Kath shook her head. “Nope. She wants to talk to you. Alone.”
That was alarming. “Should I be worried?”
“Probably not. She already ate today. You’re most likely safe.”
“Haha. You’re hilarious. But seriously. What can I expect?” Jarryd didn’t know Kath’s mother very well. Whenever he’d been at the inn, she always seemed so busy. In truth, he was a little intimidated by her. She was very intense. When something needed to be done, she made it happen, no excuses.
Kath ruffled his hair. “Is the big, strong Knight afraid of a woman?”
“Not just any woman. Your mother.”
“You worry too much. She likes you. I think she just wants to get to know you a little bit better.” She tweaked his chin. “Make sure you measure up for her daughter, you know?”
“That’s really not helpful. Now I feel even worse.” He wiped his forehead. “Is it hot in here? Geez, I think I’d rather face a dragon.”
Kath laughed and pushed him toward the back door. “Quit stalling.”
Kath’s mother was sitting in the small garden behind the inn where they grew their own herbs for their kitchen. She had her feet up and her eyes closed. Kath’s little brother was playing nearby. She didn’t open her eyes as Jarryd approached. He paused a couple steps away.
“Um…Kath said you wanted to talk to me?” He spoke softly. Maybe she was asleep, and he could still escape this.
Her eyes opened. She looked him up and down without speaking. Her face was drawn, and there were dark pouches under her eyes. She’d lost a lot of weight and looked frail. But there was iron in her gaze. For some reason, Jarryd thought of Kathor’s mother, Grecia, though they looked nothing alike.
“If you’re tired, I could come back later…”
She shook her head. “Since the attack, I’m always tired. A different day won’t change that. Sit down.”
The last part was more of an order than a request. This was a woman used to running a thriving business, dealing with vendors, unruly customers, employees.
Jarryd pulled up the other chair and sat down, wondering why he felt like a little kid all of a sudden.
“Kath says you two are courting.” Jenine wasn’t the sort of woman to waste words. She got right to the point.
“Yes, yes, we are.”
“What are your intentions for my daughter?”
Jarryd gulped. “Well, I uh…I was…uh…”
“Go on. Spit it out.”
Jarryd took a deep breath. “I would like to marry her. Hopefully. If she’ll have me,” he added quickly. Why was he sweating so much?
Jenine nodded. “Can she count on you?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
“You won’t be running off again?”
“This is where I want to be for the rest of my life.”
She gazed at him, measuring the veracity of his words. “I’ll be straight with you, Jarryd. I never liked you all that much. I never understood what Kath saw in you. You struck me as evasive at best, dishonest at worst.”
Jarryd winced a little.
“Was I wrong?” she asked.
“No,” he admitted.
Her eyes widened fractionally, as if surprised by his honesty. She nodded again. “I’m glad to see you acknowledging your shortcomings, instead of trying to argue or explain them away, like most people would. That speaks to your character.”
Jarryd rubbed his neck. “I have a friend. She spent a lot of time hitting me over the head about my lack of honesty. She finally got through to me.”
“Not someone here in town.”
“No. Someone I met while traveling.”
“Was she more than a friend?”
“No. She is someone I respect and admire more than almost anyone. Like you, she doesn’t pull any punches.”
She made a little sound that could have been a chuckle. Her expression seemed softer. “So you know how to learn from your mistakes. Another point in your favor.”
“I can be a little slow sometimes, but I manage to get there eventually.”
“That puts you ahead of most people and virtually every man.”
“Thanks?”
“My daughter has her own mind. She makes it up, and no one can gainsay her. She would marry you no matter what I said.”
Jarryd waited, unsure if he liked where this was going.
“But I can see that you’ve changed. You grew up.”
Jarryd breathed a sigh of relief. He thought of all he’d been through. “I think so.”
She put out one hand. “I’d like to be the first to welcome you to the family. That is, assuming Kath says yes.” She said the last part with a little gleam in her eye.
Jarryd took her hand. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. It really does.”
“Now go. I know sitting around talking to a sick old woman isn’t what you want to do.”
Jarryd dropped her hand and stood up. “I’m glad we got to talk.”
“One last thing. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For what you did that night when those men came after Kath in the inn.”
“You know about that?”
She gestured. “This inn is my world. I know what happens in it. Even though Kath says it was nothing, I know it could have gone very bad. I’m glad to know you’re there for her.”
“I always will be.”
“Marry my daughter. Take her away to your farm. This is no life for her. I want to know that she’s safe.”
“But who will run the inn?”
She made a dismissive gesture. “We’ll find someone. Or we’ll sell it. That’s not your problem. Kath is.” She smiled a little. “That came out wrong.”
“I will then.” He hesitated. “Assuming that’s what she wants.”
“It is.” She settled back in her chair, clearly tired.
Jarryd started to leave, turning back when she spoke again.
“Did you really fight a dragon?”
Jarryd winced. “Um…well, I uh…”
“You’re being evasive again.”
Jarryd straightened himself. She was right. “I did.”
“Did you win?”
“No.” That was easy to admit.
She looked him over, her gaze different. “But you’re still alive.”
“That I am.” He smiled weakly. “Just barely.”
She nodded. “Impressive.”
Jarryd ran his hand through his hair. “Can you do me the favor of not telling anyone? I don’t want to spread it around. I just want to be a regular farmer and blend in.”
She gave a short laugh. “I don’t think there’s much chance of that.”
(Are you enjoying Jarryd's tale? Would you like to read his adventures before this, when he fought the Dragon Queen? Just click here to check it out!)
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