Chapter 14: Where tension is thick as butter

--LILLIE--

“Grandfather!” Historia screamed as the old man scooped up a coal from the open fireplace into a metal pot. “Put that back!”

“Torie, do not worry. I need it for my newest experiment!” he shouted, and sprinted surprisingly quite fast for an old man, clambering up the ladder that led to the attic where he hid most of the day. A blur of smoke drifted from behind as he disappeared, and Historia jolted up from her seat and ran after the old man.

I abandoned the boring book about the history of iron discovery, and followed them both up the ladder into the attic. Before, most of the furniture and items were covered in large sheets of material, but as I entered the brightly lit room, I realized how interesting the attic appeared now that an alchemist was residing within its narrow roof. He had become accustomed to my presence, even if he hardly addressed me or listened to what I wanted to ask, but he was still frightened at Sable. However, he kept himself mainly cooped up in the attic in the evenings, allowing for Sable to return to sleeping in the main area again, something I felt relieved for I never wanted to return to the estate ever again.

“Ah, you ol’ crazy man, you must be more careful,” Historia scolded her grandfather as he placed the pot of smoking coals onto a stone table in the middle of the room. “Last time, you nearly burned down the entire house! Please, I beg of you. I cannot afford to replace my collection of books. Nor can you keep hiding your illegal activity. The Keepers are known to throw hands at any suspicions. We already got a suspicious Teragane living with us.”

“Nonsense, dear Torie,” Grandfather said while raising his wrinkled hand to her face. “I only need to prove the elitictrim theory, then all will be well, and you’ll never want for none—nor need for another. Yes. My fortune is buried deep below the ground, mind you. Oh, mind you, yes mind you.”

“Why can’t you invent something useful, like you did long ago?” Historia asked in a way that only a desperate child asks a parent a rhetorical question. She placed her hand on her forehead, and walked back to the ladder as Grandfather Maggie poured a strange liquid over the smoking coal.

“What did he invent long ago?” I asked as Historia drifted past me. She halted her departure, turning dramatically towards me, and grabbed me by the arms.

“Obviously something better than this!” she announced and struck her hand against her forehead, causing her spectacles to shift. “Alas! My grandfather grew tired of inventing for the means of modern-society, and chose the life of a teacher. Yet, even in his pursuit of teaching alchemy, he grew more furious with students. Now! Well, now he chases after reckless concepts. Regardless, I cannot blame him. Yet, I must look after him while he’s with me, for it is my turn, obviously as my siblings have parted ways. Good thing there are four of us for him to bounce, but the others, well, he’s caused too much trouble in at least two places. And, Maviir—Ah, the poor thing.”

“How can I help?” I asked as Grandfather Maggie chuckled mischievously while measuring more liquids that were causing a foul scent to fill the air. “If our presence is making your establishment even more at risk—“

“Ah, never mind that—but, hey, you could ask him to invent something that could make him famous. Say, speak about magic, or something to get his mind off whatever obsession he has recently developed.” After Historia patted the top of my head, she then exhaustedly sulked down the ladder, and I peered over at grandfather Maggie who was leaning over the smokey goals as he mumbled gibberish to himself.

Originally, I had hoped Grandfather could help me discover my magic abilities. Yet, at that moment, I wondered how an unhinged old man could ever be useful. I scanned around the attic, noticing intricate drawings of inventions that I assumed were his. As I moved around the old man mumbling as he examined the liquids and smoke being produced, I spotted a drawing of a long, brass cylinder on three stilts, and wondered if it was the same spy-glass in which Sable described in Lord Orvin’s glass tower.

“Do you invent items to help people?” I asked Grandfather Maggie as he leaned over the bench that held various glass instruments filled with mysterious liquids. He merely mumbled, ignoring my presence, and I glanced at another drawing against the wall, then an open notebook filled with a language I did not recognize. I picked it up and traced the scribbles with my finger, then flipped a page that was also filled with indescribable aspects.

“Do you know anything about magic—er, is there magic within alchemy?” I asked while lifting my eyes. The old Tamarine man suddenly laughed as he lifted a wrinkled finger, but his attention was solely upon the oozing liquids steaming from the coal inside a pot. I sighed loudly as I closed the notebook and placed it upon the disorganized dresser coated with dust.

“I think I can do some kind of magic—I would like to know more about it, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone wise enough,” I said.

“Teachers are hard to come by,” Grandfather Maggie mumbled. “But, there is no such thing as magic.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Never seen it—and I’ve seen everything! Even the sea! Oh, the sea!” Maggie jolted his head up, and smiled a toothy grin. “The sea is missing. I must find the sea!” He bolted to his feet then ran over to the dresser with the notebook and frantically flipped through the pages while mumbling to himself.

“Well, I can do magic,” I said, and he simply grunted, then dramatically turned a page. “Well, I think I can. I healed Sable from a fatal wound. He even has the scars to prove it. He is a Teragane, remember? He had a magic fire back on the mountain—said the Sage can heal through magic—like I did. But, I cannot ask the Sage my questions, for they have banished Sable. Oh, do you know why the Teraganes keep to themselves? Why do they hide their culture—their magic?”

“Teraganes and magic do not exist—that is rubbish,” Maggie grumbled and then looked at me with wide, aging eyes. “Rubbish—rubbish—that winged thing at the window is nothing but a demon.”

“How can you believe in demons but not Teraganes?” I crossed my arms and narrowed my brows, and the old man opened his mouth then snapped it shut as he looked down at his book. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. You have no logical reason. Sable is a Teragane, magic is real, and you’re an alchemist.”

“I am an inventor. A teacher. A—Oh!” He began pointing to a scribbled line then looked at me as if I could know what he was thinking. “You want to know something, you must find the source. That is why I must return to Riikir. I must return the sea.”

“The source? Like, meet the Teragane Sage? Ask them about the magic? How could I even do that, for I cannot fly and Sable—“

“Flying! Yes! That would make it easier! We will fly to the sea—say, will you go? Will you fly to the sea?” I laughed, softening my scowl as the man eyed me with brilliant energy as he quickly turned to a pile of aged notebooks and began flipping through pages that were surprisingly empty.

“I wish I could fly like Sable. Then I could go anywhere with him. Is there a way to make a Tamarine fly?”

“Where there is desire, there is a method. Yes! Let us allow you to fly, free as a bird and capable as the legendary Getavis to restore the sea!”

“Well, let’s start with discovering more about magic—or at least spending more time with my Teragane boyfriend.” Grandfather Maggie ignored my comment as he quickly began sketching something upon the empty notebook pages and mumbled to himself while grabbing various brass tools and referencing other piles of sketches he had previously made.

I sat upon the wooden floor, near the stone table he had cleared from whatever he was doing earlier, and as his drawings advanced, I began to feel my heart race at the thought of being given a method to fly.

I had hoped to learn about magic—this was slightly more practical and gave me a chance to connect with Sable in a way that hopefully would only bring us closer together.

“Hey, Lillie,” I heard Historia’s voice echo from the trap door. I unglued my eyes from the inventive process, and walked over to the opening, peering down at Historia’s figure climbing up the ladder. “Sable has returned, wanna come down?”

Sable.

“I’ll be down in a moment,” I informed her, then returned to Grandfather’s side.

“Wouldn’t it be useful if you could examine someone with wings?” I asked plainly. Grandfather gave a low chuckle, keeping his eyes glued to his work. “I have a friend who you might find interesting. But, you have to promise not to call him a demon.”

“And some people call me crazy,” he said with a loud voice. “Letting that demon inside will only prove to corrupt your soul.”

“Sable is hardly one to cause corruption. But, hey, he lives here, just like me. So, stop screaming, okay? Otherwise, I won’t help you with your inventions.”

“I haven’t had a young apprentice in years. They always die on me.”

My eyes widened and I stood up, feeling unnerved by the old man, unsure what was true and if I should trust anything that he could possibly make for me. I left the attic and entered the main living area where Historia had already built a fire and was making tea.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“I bought sandwiches for dinner—hopefully three is enough for Sable,” she said as I brushed off my skirt that was rather filthy from sitting on the floor in the attic. “Hey, how did you manage to stay up there all afternoon with Maggie?”

“He seems quite interesting, at least when he’s not screaming,” I replied, then shrugged. “Where is Sable?”

“He’s outside, waiting for the all clear from you, despite my assurance. Poor guy.”

I moved towards the large window, opened it, and quietly moved over the ledge of the window sill. I stood on the small awning and peered below. An evening wind blew my hair around my face, and the glow of city lanterns cast upon Sable’s dark figure below. He stood directly in front of the door of the library, arms crossed, and lost in thought as his smooth, loose hair tossed in the low breeze.

He appeared noble, elegant in the expensive silk clothes provided by Lord Orvin, but the leather crossbody bag reminded me that he had a working-class position utilizing his unique skillset for the security of our life. Guilt rose within my throat as I thought about how hard he was working each day, only for me to act pessimistic at any good news he attempted to share with me.

Was I squandering my freedom, taking advantage of Sable’s devotion? I hadn’t discovered anything useful, like we had hoped, and staying at Lord Orvin’s luxurious estate reminded me how underprivileged I truly was in comparison to those who deemed Sable as useful in society. Yet, what I felt most angered about was him adjusting to a different world than I was willing to enter. Would we grow apart because of this?

Before, I was the only one who knew of Sable’s existence. The lone Teragane was mine alone.

Was this tension envy? Prejudice? Resentfulness?

Gah! Why does it have to be like this?

A loud crash came from the tavern below the library, and both Sable and I startled and looked further down the street. He then turned and noticed me standing on the platform above him. His stern face softened, and he gave a small wave. Immediately, he jumped above, and I moved my back against the wall, trying to shake off my annoying thoughts, as he rested his hand above my head, and towered over me.

“Were you watching me?” he asked in a low, purring voice, showcasing his sharp canine teeth.

“Only for a moment,” I teased. He raised his other hand to my cheek, slightly gliding his fingers down to my neck. His towering presence felt overwhelming, yet sensational as I felt his hand drift to my shoulder and his eyes were filled with desire.

“I missed you,” he said, causing my heart to flutter as his voice vibrated through the air, drowning out the brawling noises happening outside of the tavern.

“How was your day?” I asked, steadying my breathing as I felt lost in his gaze. “Send lots of messages?”

“Not really.”

“Why not? Did Lord Orvin run out of people to boss around or parties to host?” Sable’s smile faded, and he removed his hand from my shoulder.

“He is much more complicated than that.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is.” I rolled my eyes, and Sable then straightened up as he moved his hands behind his back and looked into the window. “Historia bought sandwiches for dinner.”

“Sorry I haven’t been here to help with cooking. It’s been a long time since we’ve done that together.”

“Well, that is the side effect of working everyday. Don’t really have time to cook, but lots of money to pay others to do so. Hey, do you ever get a day off?”

“Not that I know of, but the work isn’t hard. I mainly wait for Lord Orvin’s direction. Sometimes I just sit around the estate. It’s quite beautiful. The garden is nice—if we buy a house, we should grow our own food too.” Sable looked at me as he stood in front of the open window. “Jamie visits too. We could spend time together if you want.”

Why must it always come back to Lord Orvin and his wealthy abode?

“I’m sure it is—anyway, I spoke with Grandfather Maggie. I think he won’t bother you anymore, so we can go inside.”

“That’s good.” He stepped over the window sill and I followed him, and Historia greeted us happily and the three of us sat upon the floor near the table and quietly ate the sandwiches she had provided.

“I know it’s not as fancy as Lord Orvin’s provided dinners, but sometimes a simple sandwich just hits the right spot,” Historia chimed, and Sable grunted happily as he began eating his second sandwich. “Hey, again, I’m so sorry Maggie has been so unwelcoming. He means no harm—just a bit crazy at times, but looks like he’s calmed down a lot, especially with Lillie.”

“It’s okay,” Sable mumbled through his full mouth, spewing bits of crumbs onto his clothes.

“I was with him most of the afternoon,” I said and wiped my mouth with a napkin. “He should grow accustomed to you in no time. He’s quite interesting. I think you’ll enjoy his company when he gets over his superstitions.” Sable’s crimson eyes darted and his wings slightly twitched as he shifted onto his knees. Although I didn’t mind eating while sitting on the floor cushions, I wondered if Sable had been adjusting to the better accommodations that Lord Orvin provided, and was growing weary of what little we had at Historia’s.

“Really, you shouldn’t worry about him,” Historia said as she moved her spectacles and began rubbing the lenses with a napkin. “And, if he causes more problems, just ignore him, or ask him to explain the elitictrim theory.”

“He seems to think Teraganes don’t exist at all,” I added.

“Really?” Historia asked while peering at her clean lenses in the low light of a hanging lantern. “He believes in demons, but not the Teragane?”

“Yeah, isn’t that funny? You were right. He is a crazy, old man.”

“That is just the surface. Such a shame. His mind was so brilliant—now—well, as mushy as porridge.”

“I looked through some of his inventions. Hey, Sable—do you know where Lord Orvin got his spy-glass?” I asked, and he looked up at me after taking a bite of his third sandwich, but then shrugged.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Lord Orvin purchased that ol’ invention a very long time ago,” Historia said, and Sable’s eyes shifted. “Grandfather Maggie invented a lot—his advancements provided a massive impact for those of Cedrus City. He helped design the sewage and water system, actually. So I hear.”

“Lord Orvin told me about the advancements in the mine allowing them to go deeper into the earth,” Sable said.

“You know, I bet Grandfather Maggie worked closely with many people like Lord Orvin to help Cedrus City.” Historia smiled, then adjusted herself up, and moved into the kitchen, speaking lowly about wanting something stronger to drink other than tea.

“See—one person can make a positive impact in a well-established society,“ Sable said while leaning over to me, causing my neck to tense.

“Historia!” I shouted, feeling my cheeks flush with heat. “Why did Grandfather Maggie abandon his life of inventing?” Sable twisted his neck as we both waited for Historia’s answer and she moved over while carrying a small glass with a clear liquid inside.

“Oh, he was tired of being exploited, of course,” she said, unaware of the impact her words had as she trudged down the stairs, claiming that she had some late work to attend in the library. I smugly grinned as I looked at Sable, who suddenly rose to his feet and brushed off the crumbs from his chest.

“I already know what you’re going to say,” he whispered, and I held my tongue, afraid what sarcastic comment fueled by resentment was formulating within my mind. “But, I think I can make a difference while working with Lord Orvin. He listens to me, lets me speak my mind, and desires to also seek changes in Cedrus City. He doesn’t like that people see me as a demon. He even believes in magic. You could even speak to him about what he knows—I’m sure he’d be happy to help you.”

“You told him about me?” I angrily asked while gripping at my skirt, and Sable shook his head.

“No—I told him about the Teragane, and he warned me about the dangerous superstitions of the city people. But, he gives me a sense of security, and he wants you to feel comfortable around him.”

“Of course Lord Orvin would make you believe that. His only concern is to make you believe whatever he says to win you over. But—“

“Why is there always a but? Why can’t you accept I can make a change? Why does everyone doubt me?”

I looked down at my hands as guilt only intermixed with anger, and I did everything I could to hold back the hurtful words desiring to tear down Sable’s ideology of a man who was stealing him away from me. Yet, how could I just sit by and watch Sable get sucked into a society that would only use and exploit him while he happily believed he was being led by good intentions?

“I already told you—I don’t trust Lord Orvin, or anyone like him. He—he has no reason to do good except to impress you so that you can lean into his corruption.”

“I wish you had more faith in me and stopped believing that I would succumb to such a fate.”

Sable quietly drifted away towards the large window, and I crossed my arms, feeling stiff while sitting on the floor as Sable unlocked the window and the evening breeze drifted through the room. The hanging lantern swayed from above, casting its bouncing light around the living area filled with various objects from all of us as we functioned as a rather odd group of misfits.

“I’m going out,” Sable called loudly, and I looked over at his lingering figure as he had one foot on the window sill, but was staring at me. I felt the sting of his cold abruptness. I hated this conflict, and hated myself for not being more trusting of Sable and his efforts to create a difference through the influence of a Master. I hated the fact that the man had come between us while in a vulnerable time in our life.

How could I ever learn to trust that Lord Orvin had good intentions? Why would he? These people thrived on corruption and exploitation. Grandfather Maggie was a crazy old man who abandoned inventing due to this reality. How long would it take for Sable to come to this realization as well? What suffering would he need to endure to understand?

Then again, he grew up in a completely different environment. Perhaps that is how people learn to accept reality—by experiencing it for themselves.

I rose to my feet and walked over to the window where Sable hesitated. I placed my hand upon his arm resting on the wooden beam, and looked up at his conflicted eyes.

“I’m sorry that you feel the need to leave,” I said apologetically. “I—I really miss you. Can we try to spend some time together, away from all this? Away from everyone?” A loud thump resounded from the attic above, and the tavern below grew rowdier as a brawl of drunken Tamarines echoed from the street. Sable slipped over the sill and stood on the awning, then reached his hand out to me.

“Come with me,” he finally said, but I hesitated.

“Where?” I asked, afraid he would suggest returning to the estate or even mention his master’s name.

“Just for a flight. I feel like stretching my wings. Summer is coming to an end, but the air is still warm.”

“Okay.” I breathed a sigh of relief as my fingers reached towards his, and he slowly bent over as he encouraged me to climb onto his back, and I wrapped my arms over his shoulders. He took off into the narrow city area, aiming for the clearing he had created in the branches high above. As he cleared the canopy, the night sky appeared, and a bright moon lit up the surrounding area.

Sable flew steadily over the cedar forest, rising and falling with little effort. The summer night winds rushed through my hair, but the warmth of Sable’s body against mine reminded me of the connection we still shared, despite the discomfort of the situations surrounding us.

I laid my head onto his back, and closed my eyes as I rested for a moment. I did not know how to resolve things while Sable worked for Lord Orvin. Perhaps I would one day accept the Master who weaseled his way into my life, or perhaps he would reveal his true colors and Sable would leave him on his own. However, while Sable silently flew high above the landscape, I felt encouraged to trust him.

He may need to learn on his own, or perhaps, like saving me from the depths of the mine, he could be the one to accomplish changes he desired to establish.

Maybe I just needed to have faith in the man who I loved, and hope the cruel world surrounding us wouldn’t cause him any more harm than I initially feared.