Cinderfella

Story: Cinderfella 2: A New Life

Chapter: 19 No Magic Needed

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Seth and Erik celebrate Erik's birthday, their anniversary and talk about a new threat.

No Magic Needed

I hugged Dennis again, "How did you DO this?" I asked him in disbelief.

Dennis shrugged. "He can make sounds. I coached him to make controlled those sounds. He's still deaf. I worked with him to know the A in "take" and the A in "tap" are pronounced differently."

"I got tired of meeting people who can't sign," Toby said. He SAID! "This way they can understand me better."

His words were pronounced carefully. There was a tone he had. Dennis had taught him to stop enunciating between the words. Guttural stops are what they were called. When he said a word, he didn't use syllables and the word was said in one. It would be an ongoing process. He'd learn.

Keith Davidson, our mayor, held up his goblet. "This has been great and will continue to be here. I propose the first of many toasts." He turned to me. "To Erik, in his time with us in Royal Valley. We were turned from employees of Arthur Thorne in Thorne Valley to citizens of Royal Valley. We prosper under him and Seth. He brought treatments here. He broke down walls between us and A'Dore and with our new friends in Cried!" He held his goblet out. "To Erik. I can't wait for what you'll do next. To Erik!"

Everyone drank to that.

I looked at one young man and my eyes widened. I turned to Garth and Bent. "Is that Ely!? He has to be, he looks so much like you." I meant young man. He had Garth's height, not the bulk yet but it would come. He was in his late teens, he was a heart breaker now. His daughters were lovely. His eldest daughter was a young woman and attracting the attention of many men here offering to get her punch, The youngest was a teenager now and would be a beautiful woman.

"Yep," Garth chuckled. "He's at the age where my growth spurt kicked in. Thank God, Cassie's mother explained that time of the month and what to do to her. She told her sister."

Gabe and Zeke were there with their parents, David and Curt...many people we had formed friendships with.

Now the conversations were to me or Seth. I took extra time watching Seth looking for any sign that he was tired or pain. Other than twice I escorted him to the downstairs bathroom, he did well. I told Ryan how his neck survived being wrung.

Grace doted on Seth. The offers to bring him anything she could bring him to make him more comfortable. He didn't mind.

This was the beginning for many to regret. I had no regrets. I married the one I could love and loved me. We changed customs and law because of our lives. We changed many lives. We changed our world. No regrets!

The party was ending, children needed to go to bed and those that began a work day just before dawn had to go home.

Seth smiled. "I hope you enjoyed your day."

I got him on the bed and took his one boot off being careful removing the sock on his right foot. His right foot still had a little bruising. I finished helping out of his clothes and in a nightshirt. Putting mine on. "I did. Toby's and Dennis' surprise floored me."

Seth nodded. "And they kept it secret!" He gave a grin and rolled to me. "I want you."

I chuckled. "You have me."

We began our day, as usual, our day was a little louder now. The best noise were our boys.

"Good morning!" Dennis greeted as Kitty jumped on the bed, purring started.

"Good morning, Dads," Toby said.

"How did you hide you were trying to talk?" Seth asked,

"There are parts of Royal Valley that gives privacy," Toby shrugged and pointed at Dennis. "He would hear someone coming."

"We wanted to surprise! Your birthday was coming, and we decided we would do it then!" Dennis said. Kitty's attention was caught by Seth's left foot as it moved underneath the covers and Kitty pounced on it. It was play! Dennis grabbed Kitty. "No playing with Daddy's feet now." He scolded and smiled at Seth. "Sorry, Daddy. Kitty has a lot of energy. It's like he's a kitten again!"

"He practically is!" Seth said. "If that had been my right foot, it might have been different." Seth gave Kitty an affectionate stroke. "Now, let us bathe, shave and dress." Kissed the cat and waved them out.

We did our morning routines. Seth said he had no pain now except when he put his weight on his foot. I insisted on using the crutch.

"Okay, Mister Independent." I chuckled as I patted him on the back.

Grace smiled seeing us. I didn't fool myself. She knew him almost his whole life. She was his mother. She loved me. She ADORED Seth. I wasn't jealous. Well, maybe just a little.

"Good morning," Grace said pointing to the pot. "Coffee is ready."

Seth kissed her in the cheek.

"You're her favorite." I shrugged.

Hearing my comment, they were both talking at once. She was saying she didn't have favorites and Seth was saying she loved me, too.

"Seth," I grinned. "She's known you your entire life. She raised you. She IS your mother!"

Seth grinned nodding. He kissed her on the cheek again. "He's right. Thanks, Mom."

As we needed food upstairs, enough for Seth, me, Christian, and Ella...Darrin was on duty, so not here and Ryan was in his lab and the boys were at school...she never questioned, but we would go up and not come down for hours. I thought finally admitting it was the right thing to do.

"I will confess something." I sighed. "In the attic is a mirror..."

Grace smiled. "Are you going there or are they coming here?"

Seth and I were surprised.

"I'll give you what I know," Grace said folding her arms across her chest to challenge us to deny it. "I know there were times you and a couple of others...one was Ryan and vanish and you were nowhere here for hours! Ryan goes up there and vanishes every day. He talks of Med School. He isn't going here. He's not in Blethos' Capitol." She smiled. "So, I'll ask again, are you going there or are they coming here?" She smirked.

Seth and I weren't too surprised. She was an intelligent woman and observant.

"They are coming here." Seth grinned.

"It's Christian and Ella," I said. "They want to see Seth; they can't be seen. They'll eat in our room."

"Well, I'll make a good lunch and bring it to you," She promised.

"Thanks, Mom," I said kissing her cheek.

Toby and Dennis greeted Grace, both said. "Good morning!"

Grace clasped her hands in front of her. "How about pancakes, hot maple syrup. and sausage?"

"Yes!" Dennis happily.

"Do we have juice?" Toby asked.

"We live on a vineyard!" I pointed out.

Toby smiled. "So, we don't have juice?"

I threw my napkin at my laughing son.

We went back to our bedroom, Seth said. "Do you have that nasty stuff and put it on me?"

"Are you in pain?"

"No," he said. "Well, not really, it sort of started to ache."

"Sure, I will unwrap it again." Once I did that and pushed him back on the bed and propped his foot on the pillows again. "Don't move! I would like one dance with you when we celebrate our anniversary." I leaned in kissing him.

It was eleven o'clock when I walked in the attic. There was a time difference of one hour. A'Dore had sunrise at, let's say six in the morning and we would, too. At six in the morning. An hour later!

I brought Ella and Christian downstairs to the bedroom. I shook my head. Grace was in there arranging the table in a more central place and was using a nice tablecloth. She bowed at Christian and Ella. "Good afternoon, your Majesties."

"Thank you, Grace." Christian taking her hand and kissed a knuckle. "The guards that escorted Ella and our children raved about your cooking. I look forward to tasting it at last."

Seth stood and I was right beside him.

Ella said. "Oh, you poor thing. You don't have to get up, Seth."

Seth chuckled. "I am sick of bed. I had Erik put the Aspri-willow and Opium he uses as a kind paste and rubs it in. I took the Opium day before yesterday. I'm never doing that again!" He hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

I released Christian from his hug of me. "How are you?" I asked Ella and she knew why I asked. She had a miscarriage.

"I spoke with Dr. Warren, I wondered how I could have a miscarriage with the little warriors?" She smiled. "He said, they were keeping me alive. They don't interrupt nature. He said sometimes nature takes care of problems. My problem was not the pregnancy. He said God took care of a problem we didn't know about."

"Could be," Christian said. "She was just at the beginning of the second trimester."

"We're trying again," Ella said happily.

Grace came in the bedroom again with a cart. I'd ask her later how she did that. She pulled the silver cover and delicious smells greeted us. Christian's and Ella's just wanted to see Seth was alright. We dined. We nice conversations and as we finished. I heard the boys return from school. The sound of feet coming toward us.

"Hi, Uncle Christian, Aunt Ella!" Dennis greeted.

"Hi, Uncle Kistian, Aunt Ella." He pronounced Christian's name wrong, but he SPOKE!

Christian's jaw dropped open and his eyes widened. Shocked.

Ella rose from her chair slowly gasping, holding her hands covering her mouth and amazement. "How..." she asked.

"What, how..." Christian stammered.

"He's still deaf," Seth smiled. "They worked hard for this."

"We didn't find out until they presented to surprise us last night." I chuckled.

"So, no magic or something?" Ella asked hugging Toby,

I shook my head "Just determination by our sons. No magic needed."

"The hardest part was teaching him to shape his mouth and where to put his tongue," Dennis said. "The volume needed from the vibrations in his throat."

"He was a tough teacher," Toby grinned. "And he was always inpatient."

"But you did it," Seth chuckled.

"This is incredible, but I have a meeting! In half an hour." Christian heading to the door. "Happy Birthday. I love you." He pointed at our boys. "You two need to tell me how you did this. We need to show them how at the A'Dore School for the deaf."

Hugs and a walk up the stairs they returned to A'Dore.

Yannick was arriving tomorrow with Delta and children and their guards. I made the Royal Valley's four...yes, that's right, four inns! Keith was right about our prosperous town. We did a lot! The wine was our best export. It had been asked for. People loved our wines. Those grapes Seth got from Italia were not all purple but were red. He got more that were a light green. They tasted different. All good, but different. With as many people moving here you would think finding good employees wouldn't be a problem. You would be wrong. We hired a person on a trial basis. Seth and I weren't the ones that approved their employ. The ones to approve their continued employment were the people they worked with. Yes, we hired people that weren't nice or honest. They didn't last long. People with a bad work ethic didn't last long. We found good employees! We had to find more for the vineyard and winery. We added to the winery. We ran out of room. I still had Helen, but I hired two people for the increased inventory. We were growing! Our export increased. We shipped to A'Dore and Creid now, too. We sent barrels of it once or twice a month. We had to hire more people to do that. We used my disguised men to get the gold. They did fine. There was almost no robbery. Almost. We had one that came back with less than he was supposed to get. When it happened again I took him to Keith and he was questioned by him, me, and a man in charge of a few men that were in law enforcement. It didn't take long to get a confession; he was the thief. I knew it but didn't have proof or confession. It didn't take long for the enforcement officer and Keith to find discrepancies in his story and called him on them. He was going to be prosecuted. Prosperity meant more caution.

We went down to Grace bringing her the dirty plates and utensils.

"We'll get the leftover upstairs," Seth said with his crutch keep the weight off his foot.

Grace sighed. "I appreciate that you want to help me." She turned to Seth and me. "I hired help to do that. Let them do their job." She smiled. "You two work hard. What if you didn't use the people you hired?"

"You're right." I agreed.

She nodded and pushed us on. "I'll tell them."

The only problem is we had nothing to be done. Seth's foot was still broken, and he needed to heal. It was healing quickly, but bones needed more time. I hated Seth to be alone. The other house staff were preparing for our arrivals today. Seth and I sent our special carriage ahead to make the trip more comfortable. They were important to Seth and me. We were family. Years ago, I wouldn't even consider having a friendship with a Creid. Three I considered family!? Delta was from Blethos but was Creid marrying Yannick, but Ryan and Yannick were born Creid.

Seth let out a breath of frustration. "I'm really disliking this bed." He put the book he was reading down.

"You don't like being idle." I grinned.

"Would you?"

I chuckled. "No. You promised me a dance. Staying off the foot will help that happen." Seth grunted a grudging agreement. I went on. "Yannick and Delta will be here any time now. Your brother and Terry will be here tomorrow. Try to relax, you won't get that this evening or tomorrow." Seth just grunted again.

It was the late afternoon when the carriage arrived. Seth was going to be there when they arrived. We heard it arrive and Seth made the stairs with his crutch. We got to the front as Yannick helped a little girl to the ground. The young man had to be Tommy. Yannick helped a toddler out and told him to hold on to daddy's leg. The toddler was standing but not steady yet. Walking was a challenge without help but standing up he could do and probably had done a few weeks. He was confident and held on with one small arm. Then his wife. Delta reached down and picked the little boy up in a familiar "mother-carry" on a hip and they all approached us as a family. Yannick now looked at us smiling but frowned briefly as he saw Seth. He hugged Seth first, I hugged Delta then switched.

"Okay," Yannick asked Seth. "What happened?"

Seth was a little embraced now. "I broke my foot a few days ago," he hurried on, "but it's healing quickly." He assured.

I chuckled. "The bones just need more time." I looked over at Tommy. "Do you still go as Tommy?"

He struggled to understand that.

"He still has trouble with lip reading with stangers. He is getting it." Yannick explained.

"No problem," I said and signed. "My son is deaf. Do you remember Toby?"

Tommy smiled but shook his head. Not really. He signed.

"Well, we're not really strangers, but it was a while ago," I said and signed. "You were five then. Both of my sons can sign."

Tommy smiled bigger.

"Many of the staff can understand and sign." Seth did the same, saying and signing. "Grace can. Erik and I can. Your Mom and Dad can...it will be fine."

"This is Elizabeth. We call her Beth." Delta said smiling down at her daughter. "These are dear friends for your daddy, mom, and me. Don't be shy."

"We're more than that," Seth said. "Call him Uncle Erik and I'm Uncle Seth." He looked at the black-headed little boy about twelve or thirteen months of age. "Who is this?" He smiled at the little boy.

Yannick took his son from Delta. "This Allister. Crown Prince of Creid." Seth shook his little hand and Allister babbled back.

He was this firstborn son. Those were the rules forever in the past which kingdoms ALL followed. Even those that were native here usually chose a male as leader. Men were fighters and aggressive.

"Great looking family," I smiled at them. "Let's get you settled in."

As with everyone you change over time. Yannick was healthy, had gray in his hair. In his sideburns and in his beard. He was about forty. He always kept his beard trimmed, now he looked very distinguished.

"Now something has happened," Seth smiled as he told them. "He's still deaf, but Toby can speak now."

They spun to Seth hearing that. Then came the questions from both at the same time. The questions were one thing. How did we do it?

I motioned them. "We didn't, they did."

I got them inside said. "Wait." I went upstairs to the boy's bedroom. I sat near them. "I want to introduce some very special members to this family. The man is King Yannick of Creid. He's like your Daddy's and my brother. The lady's Queen Delta. She'll be Aunt Delta."

Toby looked at Dennis. "Say the names, please?" He held up a hand, not keep from seeing his mouth but feel the air come to out of Dennis' mouth.

I watched Dennis slowly and over pronounce Yan nick. He did the same with Del ta. Toby nodded and said both of the names. He had to try again with Yannick's name.

"How many kings do you know, Dad?" Toby asked.

I sat back. "I've met more than a few but only know personally your Uncle Sam and Uncle Christian. I knew your grandfathers and King Mordor, Yannick's father. Uncle Yannick's is family. My point is, they have a son named Tommy. He's deaf, too. He can sign but can't read lips well yet."

"Okay." Both said and followed me downstairs.

Seth was using his charms on Allister who he held in his lap making faces to get Allister to laugh while talking to Yannick and Delta. "That took a while." Seth said to me about the time it took to bring the boys down.

"It couldn't be helped," I said.

Toby grinned and explained. "I had to learn to say the names." He chuckled. "Yours took a couple of tries." He said to Yannick and then bowed to Yannick and Delta. "Welcome Your Majesties." Yannick and Delta were gaping in shock.

Yannick found his voice and asked. "How did you do this?"

He looked at Dennis. "I had him to teach me."

Delta asked. "How?"

"I slowly say words." Dennis shrugged. "He watches how I place my tongue and press it against my teeth and shape of my mouth. It took a while."

"I watched him teach Toby to say your name, Yannick," I said to him.

"Our Dads told us you were family. May we call you Uncle Yannick and Aunt Delta?" Toby asked.

"There are others we call Aunt and Uncle," Dennis explained smiling. "You are."

Delta was nodding and Yannick smiled saying. "Of course, you can."

Delta came and hugged the two. "And so polite!"

"You've never seen our Dads look if we aren't," Toby said.

"And proper grammar." Dennis chuckled. "I learned not to say can I and get back from both of them the question can you?"

I brought the boys to Tommy. "This is their son Tommy."

Toby started signing. Hi, Tommy. We're your cousins Toby and Dennis.

Tommy signed back. I go by Tom now. You're deaf!?

I am. Toby signed. I can't even hear myself speak. It took a lot of practice. I feel what I say.

"Now, you need to meet your other cousins," I said. "You'll have to the explanation one more time for Uncle Sam and Terry." I looked at Yannick and Delta. "They have a daughter near Beth's age." Allister was cackling in delight at Seth. "You've got Thomas, try working on Beth." I pointed to her as she had looked around enough, for now.

"Excuse me, Your Majesties." One of the young women Grace hired curtsied. "I'm Anna. We are taking your trunks your room. Is there something not in the trunks you want?"

Beth sat up quickly. "Bebe!"

Delta stopped Beth. "Bebe is her favorite toy. A doll."

"I thought so," Anna grinned reaching to the table behind her and picked a doll up and held it up.

The doll sort of looked human, but a much-loved doll. It was stuffed but so loved it flopped in the middle. Delta took the doll and handed it to Beth. "What do you say ?" Delta asked Beth.

"Thank you," Beth said hugging her doll.

"Your cousin Michael will be here tomorrow," I said and signed to the three talking in sign.

Dennis nodded and signed. He signs, but not that well.

Toby grinned. We have to patient with Mike.

I rolled my eyes seeing at what was said.

Grace came into the room and also curtsied. "What should I call you now?"

"I'm still Delta." Delta hugged Grace.

Yannick smiled saying. "You called Sam and Terry by their names. I know you called Ella by her name and probably Christian, too." Yannick hugged Grace. "I'm still Yannick."

"Well, welcome back," Grace said. "Dinner will be ready in half an hour. May I bring you something to drink?"

"I'll help you!" Delta said immediately. "Please? I don't do much as queen."

Grace nodded. "Sure."

Seth went to Beth and sat by her and started to talk about her doll asking her about Bebe making Beth smile. The talent he had with children was working again.

"Seth really has a knack with children." Yannick chuckled.

"I know," I said smiled at Seth as he asked to hold Bebe. She did slowly. Seth had Bebe dancing, doing somersaults, bowing. Beth started laughing. "He got the ability from his father. I don't know anyone who could relate to children as King Alexander and Seth did and do."

"I'd say it was magic," Yannick said a little sour. "I do the same things. I don't the reaction he's getting."

"Seth knows how," I shrugged. "My nephew Edward cried when Seth left. He wouldn't let Seth go!"

Delta came back with a rolling serving cart. "Okay, what do you all want? I've got some delicious grape juice."

"'uice!" Allister said loud. The J in the word juice was tough.

Delta was a hands-on mother. She had Beth sit on the floor she had Beth drink her juice from there. She held a bottle that had been Dennis'. Grape juice was put in it. Yannick picked Allister up and began feeding him. Allister would take the bottle and feed himself. He was a hands-on Dad!

Allister was put in Dennis' highchair, but we ate...not in the dining room. We ate in the kitchen. They really weren't just guests. When Sam and Terry got here we would have to use the dining room.

The children were slowing down. We put two extra beds in Yannick's and Delta's room. What I was pleased with was how well our boys were enjoying their friend Tom. They asked if Tom could stay in their room with them. Yannick laughed consenting readily.

"Allister was sleeping with us," Yannick laughed and said quietly to us. "He does move around at night, and often I find myself on the edge of the bed."

I laughed at that. "Toby and Dennis would, too. Which was fine, but when they were a little older we got the hand on our face."

"And legs and feet," Seth chuckled. "The joys of being a dad."

Yannick nodded and pointed at Beth and whispered. "She did, too."

We made sure we had diapers or nappies in their room, the powder and lotion. Sam and Terry were halfway here. I hoped.

When we got into our daily bath. "I'm going to get flabby." Seth chuckled slapping his abdomen lightly. "All that food and not working."

"I don't think you need to worry about that," I said shaking my head smiling. "You just can't stand being idle. After our party celebrating our anniversary, things will return to normal."

"You and I don't do normal well." Seth grinned.

"Which is normal for us." I slid closer. "And normally," I said kissing him slowly, "we normally do one thing very well."

"Because you know I love you," Seth said softly.

"And you know I love you."

The next morning was a little chaotic. We had to eat in the dining room as they prepared for tomorrow. We needed to be out of the way. Grace was telling the women and men she hired what needed to be moved and cleaned. For King Samuel's and Queen Teresa's arrival. She some coming early to get the dough for various breads could do any rising and blah, blah, blah. Not that I didn't appreciate all this, but I couldn't help it, I felt guilty. I was tired just hearing what was planned. Again, married couples communicate without words.

"Stop it," Seth said to me. "I know what's going through your mind. It's on your face."

"I can't help it!"

"Did you feel bad when we had two banquets in two days?" Seth asked.

"A little," I admitted. "The difference is, I know these people. We're friends."

"Friends that needed work and we gave them jobs," He pointed out. "Grace has it under control. They're doing it for us. To stop them I'd have to fire them. I don't think you want to piss Mom off."

I chuckled with Seth. "Nooo," I used a long no. "I wouldn't dream of it. It's just how I was raised. Nothing wrong with my legs. Remember?"

"You called me Mister Independent. You are Mister I-Can-It-Myself." Seth smiled at me. "Relax." He put his forehead against mine.

It was midday when the carriage arrived. Sam had commissioned a carriage as we had.

I wasn't too surprised at seeing Terry. Our homing pigeons' messaging system delivered the message that Terry was pregnant. She looked like she was about midways. Sam helped Terry out of the carriage.

Michael and Kristine saw us and raced over to hug Seth and me talking at once.

Sam got close and hugged Seth. "Why the crutch?"

"I broke my foot," Seth said. "The little warriors are working." He pointed at me. "I promised Erik a dance or two tonight."

"If you can," I reminded, then I hugged and kissed Terry on the cheek.

"Another prince or princess," I said to Terry.

"Which I won't mind if he or she comes a few weeks early as Kris did." She said hopefully. "I get tired of the swollen ankles and having to go to the bathroom half hour or fifteen minutes." She hit me lightly. "Men don't have anything. They should come up with a sympathy pain medication."

"Tell your husband!" I said stating the obvious.

Sam let go of Seth and hugged me. "Yannick is here?" He asked seriously. The way he asked told me it could be very serious.

"He is. Is it's serious?" I asked.

"It could be," Sam admitted and grinned suddenly. "But we're here to celebrate a momentous occasion." He pulled is both in one armed hug. "This one I wouldn't miss! I missed the wedding and other anniversaries. Not this one!" He squeezed us again. "I can't wait to see how you changed Blethos' Northern Palace!"

"What!?" Seth asked.

"You get the two kings we're allies with to come here!" Sam chuckled. "This is the northern palace."

"There have been some changes." Seth smiled at his brother.

"A good one," I added. "But you'll find out in a few minutes."

We escorted them in the men to get their things out of the carriage. All three bowed. Sam was their king. "You're Majesties!" One grinned. "Is there anything other than the trunks?"

"We almost had a crisis with Princess Beth. She forgot her beloved doll." I told Terry and Sam. Terry laughed at that.

Sam smiled at that. "No, nothing else. Thank you."

Entering the house Yannick stood. "Sam! Terry! Hello!" He hugged Sam and kissed Terry on the knuckle. She hadn't had the exposure to Yannick that Sam had, so less familiarity.

I pulled our sons Dennis and Toby forward. Dennis greeted his aunt and uncle. Toby smiled and said. "Hello, Uncle Sam and Aunt Terry."

Once more was the astounded looks and questions. Which we answered. Again. They were the last family we wanted to tell. Michael was about Tom's age. Kristine was a little older than Beth. The boys' conversation had been nearly silent. Now three were speaking now and were signing. Michael tried to sign, but he didn't use it every day. Allister was liking all the activity and squealed in delight. Beth and Allister were born with the Little Warriors in them from both their parents and never known being sick. I wondered how they weathered teething. They were both very healthy and very happy.

The reaction Yannick and Delta to Toby's speaking had was more as it was more personal because of Tommy. The Little Warriors did not restore Tommy's or Toby's hearing.

Grace greeted Sam and Terry like she always did. Sam was her son, too. She raised him after the woman that saved them after the attack on the royal family died. She looked at all here now. "Now there are two kings and two queens and a whole lot of princesses and princes."

"If we were a deck of cards," Sam joked. "I'd probably fold. Unless I had four aces."

Grace again offered drinks for everyone.

The volume increased, not with the children but the adults. When family loves and likes the others in the family, the good feelings and comfort sort of made that happen.

After dinner, Seth looked at his brother. "How grave is the situation you want to discuss?"

Sam shrugged, "I don't know."

Seth nodded, "And speaking with the two other kings will help."

"Sure," Sam said. "I still want to talk to Christian. I can do that here." He looked at Yannick. "It's not a secret. Have you had an increase of raids lately?"

Yannick's eyebrows rose. He thought. "There have in the other towns. They were stopped quickly. We're Creid!" He said proudly. "Still brutes and savages." He shrugged. "The terrain is is more difficult in Creid."

"We have in the outer cities and villages," Sam reported. "And it's not just supplies they are targeting the banks and businesses for the gold."

"Gold robbery?" Seth asked.

"That and rapes and killing, but not a lot. The gold is what they want." Sam said. "I fear Royal Valley will be raided soon. This is a prime target. This is a successful town. You have a wealthy town and as I said before. This is Blethos' northern palace. It will be raided."

"Any eyewitnesses to say who?" I asked. There were parts of this continent that were not part of any kingdom but used as areas for those who could not conform to any law or customs. Candor, the man Arthur used to steal for him and hid those stolen goods in the caves was from one such area. Thieves and murderers.

"That's the puzzling part," Sam admitted. "They reported members of natives along with others members of our race. I assume they are from the members of the criminals outside of Blethos and A'Dore. That's why I would like to speak with Christian."

"I can talk to him and ask him," I said. "We can do it now." I rose from my place at the table.

"Excuse us for a few minutes," Yannick said to the others.

"Kingdom business," Sam said.

We went up to the attic and activated the mirror. We stepped into A'Dore. It was an hour ahead of Royal Valley. I was pleased to see two men using quills to write something. Using two lamps each. They kept records of all they did.

"Excuse us, gentleman," I said startling both of them. "We need to talk to Christian. It is very important."

The man closest to the door stood. "I'll get him, Your Highness." He bowed and left. He forgot the two kings with us.

It was a few minutes when Christian came in. "Hi, brothers and friend. You needed to talk to me?"

"I did," Sam clarified. He explained what he told us. "Are you experiencing an increase in raids?"

Christian frowned. "Just recently in our northern villages, towns, and cities."

"Some native tribes and the outlaw settlements have banded together," Sam said sadly. "This will become a war."

"How do we prepare?" I asked them. "It could come at any time."

Yannick nodded. "An attack on you, Erik, will require more preparation and a plan. They would have people in Royal Valley to know your patterns. They would also see the numbers of men you have guarding you."

"Which will be increased," Sam stated.

"I can spare a few Creid," Yannick smiled. "I'll even send four off of our palace warriors for you and Seth to train your soldiers. Not that your soldiers don't know how to fight but," he winked at me, "you know our motto. Whatever it takes."

"You'll teach the dirty tricks you use," Seth grinned.

"Sometimes the savage way is needed," Yannick shrugged. "I could send all four to Royal Valley. Two will have to use that doorway." He thumbed back at the mirror. "They can teach your troops, Christian. We have new armor, too."

"We don't have a choice," Sam said. "We're setting up watchtowers to watch for any incursion. I have sent pairs of men to patrol the borders."

"My warriors will broaden those patrols," Yannick said. "You would stretch your military too thin. We're allies!" He looked at Christian. "I could send you some troops." He chuckled. "The traditional way over land. It will take two or three weeks..."

"They will be welcome," Christian said with a smile. "The men know we're allies. They may be still wary of your men at first."

"The men will be on their best behavior," Yannick swore with a chuckle. "I'll make that a royal command."

"I'll give the same command to my men," Christian laughed. He looked at me and Seth. "Don't you have a house full of guests?"

Seth chuckled. "We do."

"Well, get back to them," Christian hugged all of us. Sam and Yannick, too. "Go!" He waved at the mirror. "We'll talk in a couple of days."

We came back into the attic.

"It was such a long trip." Seth smiled.

"Two thousand miles?" I chuckled. "That IS a long trip."

Seth clapped his hands once. "Any of you fancy a drink?"

We went down to the family waiting for our return.

The conversation our boys had was mostly silent. There was the occasional voice when Mike asked how to say something in sign. He learned to sign with the occasional visits we did in Blethos' Capitol twice a year. They were having fun when Tommy didn't understand, or Mike didn't understand! There was laughter and Dennis said things, such as that's not what you said. Causing them to laugh. Not at Mike to make fun of him, but with him. Or questioning Tom for not using a sign he used in Creid. They were enjoying their friendship. I was grateful they were getting along. Kris and Beth were getting along. No arguments. I thanked God again and again.

Grace came in and said the preparations were done and she was going home to be back early in the morning.

"I've never met her husband," I said quietly to Seth. "Have you?"

Seth shook his head. "Neither have I. I did when I was younger. I never heard he died or anything. She's very quiet about it."

I put my arm around Seth. "She may be private, but I know she'd tell her son."

Things quieted down. Allister was asleep in his Daddy's lap.

Yannick smiled. "I think it's time for bed." He got "aw," back from the children. "Aw what?" Yannick smiled. "You need sleep. So, do I. He needs changing. We'll all be together again tomorrow."

Delta was reaching for Allister, "I'll change him."

Yannick was playing "keep away" turning so she couldn't get Allister. "I'm more than capable and you know it. We're both his parents. I'll change him."

I was seeing him as the angry bear of a warrior when we first met a did battle to convenience King Mordor and the others I could be trusted and that same man who was a tender loving father doting on his children. I liked the combination. He did with Tom, too but the rules were he had to be born a prince. Yannick made him a prince, but those dumb rules! I didn't agree with many of them. Such as, Delta and Terry were addressed as Your Majesty. I was married to a king, but was I Your Majesty? No. I was Your Highness. Male consorts didn't earn the title. We weren't ruling. Even though I did on occasion. I know, I hated titles, so it didn't really bother me. I just hoped Tom would understand.

Getting to bed took a little pushing. They went finally.

We took our nightly bath. Seth chuckled. "It's amazing that not one of those children is spoiled. Not one "that's mine!"

I laughed. "Beth is and Kristine is."

"They are treated like Princesses," Seth shrugged. "Because they are!"

"They were spoiled in a good way," I said and moved closer to Seth. "We did with Toby and Dennis," I said. "They understand they know the importance of sharing and being nice." I smiled. "How about we be nice with each other?"

"We will," Seth said kissing me. "I love you, Erik."

"I know you do; I love you, Seth."

"I know," Seth replied softly kissing me again.

We were very nice to each other.

We woke up and did our usual. Made love, bathed, and dressed. Going downstairs as the women Grace hired were busy. The men were bringing flowers and other things to decorate the house. Grace told them to consider the flow of traffic with all the guests coming. Yannick and Delta were down eating, Allister was eating his finger-food. The musicians from Blethos' Capitol were setting up to entertain, and I'm not talking a small group. There were sixteen! A small orchestra. Our living area had room for them and wouldn't be the way.

Yannick stood. "We began early. We were hungry." He waved at Allister and Beth grinning.

The Sam, Terry, and Kristine came down. "I see we're late again." Sam chuckled.

"You're king, you're never late," I said.

The boys came down in a hurry, ready for breakfast. Again, mostly silent. Mike spoke when he signed, he didn't need to speak loudly to be heard. "Good morning!" Toby, Dennis, and Mike said, and Tom signed.

The guests were to come about one o'clock giving us more time in daylight. We had lamps and reflectors. Candles for the chandeliers. There would be plenty of light. That would save on supplies. Many guests would bring children and they could be taken home to be put to bed. The party would go on, but we would be considerate of that need with their children.

We ate and enjoyed each other's company. We activated the fans to cause a gentle movement of air in the house to circulate. It would be warm with all those people here. It was Autumn now and cool, it rarely got that cold here. Once we had a little snow. It didn't stick or last long. Seth and I, along with other men lit the heaters. That was a sleepless night. Even Toby and Dennis helped by bringing coal and wood needed to keep the fires lit.

I put the Aspir-willow and opium paste on Seth's foot and wrapped it again. "Now, you use your crutch until the dance begins. When you put your weight on it and feel any pain, you tell me. I can usually read you very well, I'll know."

Seth chuckled. "I know you can read me." He hugged me. "I'll tell you."

It was about twelve-thirty when Garth and Bent got there with their three.

"We're a little early..." Garth started, but I hugged him.

"You came," I said. "You're always welcome."

Seth nodded. "Anytime." He hugged Bent.

We got them in, and they knew Sam was king and Terry was queen, so they bowed and said Your Majesties. Then I introduced Yannick and Delta. They did it again to them. It was protocol.

At night people who didn't have clocks used the hour candles. Enough wax that burns down each hour. How much wax it took for that hour I couldn't guess. During the day they used a sundial they made. The sun was never wrong. Zeke and Gabe came with the mayor and his wife, Curt. and Darrel, and others, I saw Lukus, Demetrius and Dara. That was including some of our employees and their spouses. Doris came with Frank...there would be hundreds! The house was built for heat with high ceilings and vents to let the hot out during our spring, summer, and early fall. Seth's stinky feet were nothing compared to when he labored in the hot weather and sun of summer. I insisted they take breaks and drink water in the shade every two hours. I checked, too. I wasn't having Seth fall out in that hot sun from Heat Stroke. They would wear hats that covered their heads and eyes.

They were all welcome. Some had never been to a party like this.

They kept coming. Now it got noisy. They had to talk louder to be heard. There were occasional bursts of laughter. Allister wasn't scared one moment. He would kick and squeal, he loved it. That brought people over. People loved a happy baby. Allister was that. The girls Grace hired set out the bread, butter, and some spreads with a hint of grape and some with honey, and jellies. They had fancy bread. Croissants! Everything was delicious. Wine and the Wine Punch was served. There were others that were made the fruits we have around here. It was about five when someone tapped on a glass to get attention.

Sam smiled. "Everyone get a full glass." He instructed the guests. After they got that. "Twelve years ago, my brother married an amazing human being. He has loved, stood by, and supported Seth a long time. He's helped me deal with some things." He raised his glass. "To Seth and Erik. May you have many more years together." Everyone said. "Here, here."

The music to dance started. Seth stood up. Putting his weight on his foot. I saw no grimace or sign of pain. He offered his hand to me. "Can I have this dance?"

"Absolutely." I replied taking his hand.

Our orchestra began a waltz and we started dancing. I watched his face; he had no pain. At the end of that dance, he kissed me. "I love you, Erik."

"I love you, Seth." We hugged tightly. Everyone was clapping. Some were even hooting. Things have really changed in twelve years.

"One or two more." Seth smiled. "I feel the pressure starting."

"One," I stated.

The orchestra started a new waltz, and everybody got involved in that waltz. There were lots of new dances more complicated with moves that changed partners or formed a line where you danced apart came together and then backed away. He would entice her, and she would entice him. There were lots of new dances more complicated with moves that changed partners or formed a line where you danced apart came together, turned, and backed away. He would entice her, and she would entice him; they didn't touch! What!? People loved it! It was now very popular. Seth and I missed that one and were fine with that, the unmarried ones didn't dance too close together. Gad! They might touch...places on each other! How dare they do that?? (I say that very sarcastically.) Of course, they will touch. Seth and I broke that rule the first dance! Nothing touched in those places, but we touched.

We finished the second dance. I walked him to his chair. He didn't protest, so I knew he was feeling the ache now. I kissed him a little longer, lingering in the kiss a few seconds. "You are a good man, Seth. I'm glad we married."

He kissed me back. "I am, too. You married me when I was scarred. You saw me." He held his hand up. "I'm fine with it now. I'm secure about the scars that are in the past."

"Good," I smiled and kissed him quickly. "We're breaking the rules again. Public displayed of affection is frowned on." I chuckled.

"Let 'em frown. It's a stupid rule anyway." He kissed me longer.

"What do you think you're doing?" Demetrius asked in a mock crossness.

I turned to see him, and Dara dressed as nobles. They were. Demetrius was dressed in a fine suit it was navy blue a large diamond on his dark tie. Dara had done her head an wore a ruby red dress that was narrow at the hips. I didn't really care about women's fashion. It was the modern fashion now and saved us space! Some dresses added three or four feet on a lady! Dara wore gems, rubies of red naturally. One good-sized ruby on a pendant that sat between on her chest almost touching her cleavage. A ruby on each ear.

"Hi, Demetrius, Dara!" I smiled hugging both. Seth was about to stand up. "Seth?" I asked.

"No weight on it," he assured standing and used his crutch he hugged them both. "Hello." He sat down again.

I grinned as he put his foot up again and smiled saying See? "I was kissing my husband."

"I know. So openly?" Dara chuckled shaking her head, giving us the tsk, tsk. "Don't Eve's Children frown on that."

Seth grinned back. "Most are a bunch of prudes because the Church said so?" He shook his head. "I haven't noticed a decline in unwanted births. All the church adds is guilt."

"They frowned at our marriage," I said to them. "We did it with your help. You got me the perfect someone. You did very well."

"I presented the opportunity for you to meet. You two fell in love," Demetrius said.

"And all my background?" Seth asked. "My being rescued, the part where Arthur kept my past secret, the part where we restored my family, punishing the guilty?"

"That was me," Lukus said behind us.

"Hi, Lukus." Seth greeted.

"They didn't know this." He pointed to Demetrius and Dara. "A feeble attempt to correct a wrong done by the Thornes and I. I'm sorry I let Arthur get away with it."

"I forgive you, Lukus," Seth said. "It was Arthur that chose to do it. He, I will never forgive or his awful children." Seth stuck his hand out for Lukus to take. "We're good, Lukus.

The party went on, the candles were lit. There were elegant dances. They even did that dance where you didn't touch again. I saw Garth's eldest daughter dance in that one. Garth and Bent couldn't object to that. Other dances the two kept an appropriate distance. Garth and Bent didn't, they were married. It was autumn so the days were shorter. At eight o'clock the guests with younger children left. The usual, loved our party, thanks for inviting us. Bent and Garth and their children left shortly after it got dark. They started to work early on the farm.

At ten there were yawns from guests who got up early to work. By eleven they pretty much left. The few others saw it and the dwindled amount to interact with and left. Seth and I grabbed up a couple of croissants, Yannick and Sam took a couple of slices of roast beef. Delta picked up Allister who was sound asleep. She held her hand out for Beth.

"You stay if you want to," Delta said to Yannick. "I'm putting these two to bed."

"Me, too," Terry said holding her hand out for Kristine. "Let's get you to bed."

"I'm not sleepy," Kris said slowly with some long blinks.

Terry chuckled. "I know. We'll do it anyway."

"Okay," Kris said a little sadly, but not arguing.

"We need to get with Christian again," Sam said. "We need to plan."

Toby got up signing he'd be back. He came to us. "I can't whisper. Is this about what you talked about at the table last night?"

Sam was surprised and then nodded. "You read our lips."

"Yes," Toby admitted. "I saw it all. May I go with you?"

I smiled. "We go after breakfast."

"Why are you letting him come?" Sam asked when Toby walked back to his friends.

"We could use another sharp mind." I shrugged. "He's damned smart and mature. We won't lose anything by taking him."

"We'll be talking about war and killing," Sam argued.

"We'll be talking about defending his home," Seth said back. "He should be able to handle it." He chuckled at me. "He takes after you. He wants to know everything about everything."

"Yes, you should see what he brings home to read," I told Yannick and Sam. I stood up and clapped for the hearing two. They all looked at me. I said and signed. "Time for all princes and future kings to go to bed." I got two awes. "You don't have to stop, just take it to your room," I said and signed. There were sighs but did as I asked. The truth was, I was getting tired. The house-staff were dousing the extra lights. The orchestra was packing their things. I walked over and thanked them all personally. Grace came over. "Can I get anything else for you? We're putting the leftovers in the icebox."

Seth got up and hugged her. "No, Mom." Seth grinned. "But we'll talk tomorrow. Nothing bad, but good. Okay?"

"Certainly," Grace said curiously. "Tomorrow."

"They can do what needs to be done tonight," I added. "You go home."

She nodded smiling. "I will. My hired people can wash the dishes and that sort of things."

"They can put things away." Seth smiled. "You go home now."

"Alright," She laughed. "See you in the morning."

"I'll check," Seth warned lightly.

"I'm going, I'm going," Grace said chuckling.

Sam grinned. "I can make it a royal command. As your king and one of your sons. Mom."

"I'm leaving now." Grace nodded.

"I'll check, too." Sam smiled. "In fact, we'll walk you out."

Grace rolled her eyes but followed us to the kitchen. "You don't trust me?"

"Of course, we do," I said. "I also know you. You'll see something that needs to be done and stay to do it."

"Everyone!" Sam said to all in the kitchen. "You all did amazing things tonight. Thank you. However, I'm commanding this woman to go home and not to allowed in until," he looked at me. "Ten?"

"Make it nine," I said.

Sam nodded. "Until after nine!"

The others didn't object but clapped. They worked shifts and Grace was hard at work when they got in. They knew Grace worked hard. Anna, who found Beth's beloved Bebe. She curtsied. "She won't be let in, Sire." She smiled at us. "Get your things, Grace. You won't be let in because you forgot something."

"And have one of the guards walk you home," Sam ordered. He looked at me and shrugged. "She's a lady, it's dark...no telling what could happen."

Grace got her things and left.

Sam and I walked back to the others. "Seth," Sam said. "You and Erik paid for this."

Seth nodded. "It was our function."

"The guards get paid by the crown, Blethos." Sam reasoned. "Your house-staff is paid by you. My point is you are the North Capitol. A lot of negotiations comes from through you. That's kingdom business. You have instant contact with Christian. You have better access with our friends the Creid. I'm saying when you do that, it's Blethos' business. We will pay for that. I'm sending gold from the treasury. No arguments. I'm King."

Seth was about to protest but finally nodded. "Fine, but we'll talk about how much."

"And when you do," Sam smiled. "You pay the house-staff out of those funds."

I nodded. "We will."

"Any dinners or food and wine, too," Sam added and yawned which he never did with anyone else but family. "Now I think all kings, present or former kings went to bed. This one, at least. Good night, Gentlemen." He said heading for the stairs.

"He's right," Yannick smiled. "See you in the morning." He hugged us quickly and took the stairs.

Seth and I reasoned we hadn't gotten sweaty. We skipped the bath for now. I fell asleep quickly.

We woke up and made up for what we didn't do last night. You know I wasn't talking about just the bath. It was eight-thirty. We greeted those at the table. We went into the kitchen for Seth's coffee. I saw Grace waiting for nine. I went and opened the door and motioned her in.

"Sam said after nine," Seth chuckled.

"He can send me to the rack." I groused. "But we'll be having that talk now," I said then to her." In private."

Seth grinned and nodded. "Sure." He held a mug out to her. "Coffee?"

"I'd love some." Grace smiled.

We took her through the dining room and Sam had come down. He knew it wasn't nine yet.

I waved Sam down. "I let her in. She's not working yet."

We took her to my office and closed the door.

Seth sat down taking her hand. "Grace, I would never pry, but when you go home...is there anyone there?"

She looked surprised. "No," She sighed. "Not for almost twenty years. My deadbeat husband ran off with some wench."

Seth nodded. "I thought it was something like that when he stopped coming by."

"We were hoping you'd live here," I said. "Keep your house, rent it, whatever."

"You know how we feel about you," Seth said smiling as she was crying. "I know you love us."

"The commute would be easier, just down the hall," I said.

"Please?" Seth pleaded.

"You two are so precious and sweet." She nodded. "I will," She kissed us both. "I'll need to pack some things."

I grinned. "You hired people to help you, they'll help. You're the manor's grand lady."

We went out to the others.

"Mom is moving in!" Seth said smiling. "Now when you order her home, Sam, she is!"

"It's now after nine," I grinned at Grace. "You do your Lady of the Manor things."

"That's great!" Sam said hugging Grace.

At twelve o'clock, one o'clock in Adore the five of us stepped through the mirror/doorway. Christian was there waiting at the agreed upon time. His eyes widened at seeing Toby. "You brought Toby?"

"More brains," I shrugged. "He needs to be a part of this to learn."

Christian smiled. "And for future kings. Thomas will be here after he changes his shirt. He got wine spilled on his shirt." He chuckled.

We were all welcomed and hugged. We are a family that loved those. Much more personal than a handshake.

The door and a man came in. "Sorry, Dad, but you said we must..."

Christian and I finished the statement with him. "Set the example." I chuckled.

"It was an accident," Thomas said. "She was new and accidentally spilled wine on me," He smiled. "It took a few minutes to assure her she wouldn't be fired. I got her name though, Lesette. She was pretty!"

Christian grimaced, but done in humor, "That fact is, we'll have to have a ball for him to choose his queen. He'd marry all of them!"

"I knew he'd be a heart breaker," I shook my head. "Like father, like son. He's the next Prince Charming looking for his Cinderella."

That was fun but we came to discuss battle strategies. Christian talked about the soldiers' deployment. Even with the Creid troops, they would be stretched. Christian said how he came up with a way to signal the other troops nearby to come to help. He would the towers with...not fireworks exactly. These would be more powerful and visual for miles.

"Excuse me," Toby said. "How do you get troops there quickly? They should come. Until they get there, how about we put arrows to fire. I read where the Vikings and Romans had this of launching hundreds of arrows mechanically at a time. Many times. The first would be aimed high, the second row lower. There could be thousands of arrows launched. You could hide barrels of the stuff we use for the fireworks. We will need good archers for that. Or all of the arrows could be flaming arrows. They will hit the attacking men and barrels."

Thomas smiled at Toby. "First, my brain is having a hard time accepting you can talk now. Second, that's a pretty good idea. It would take work, but it's worth it." He looked at his father. "What do you think, Dad?"

"I think we should get started," Christian said. "Do you have the information to build this...gauntlet of arrows?"

"I can bring written instructions and illustrations," Toby said. "Tomorrow at the same time? It is not very popular at the Book Lender." Toby smiled at his Uncle. "It will be there I'm sure. If not, I'll find out who has it and ask to borrow it." He shrugged.

"Do that, only message me if you can't," Christian said.

"I'll go today," Toby told him.

"If you could, Christian, have two copies made," Sam asked. "One for you and one for me."

Toby explained. "Those and illustrations instructions are written are two pages. You should read the book. You never know what you'll find we can use." Hugs again and we returned to Royal Valley.