The Four Tales Read online

  Pausing, she took in the smell of fresh coffee. Her father must have started without her. Normally, she did this, but there were times when sleep proved to be too elusive the night before, and she'd oversleep.

  Yawning, Cassie moved down the hallway toward the light coming from the kitchen. She knew her way by heart, and even if a lamp had not already been on inside, she would have made her way in the dark. It was comforting, somehow, to be able to walk through her home with no worries of confrontation or fear. The early morning hours provided her a few hours of solitude and safety.

  Entering the kitchen, Cassie stopped short. Simon stood at the counter. He had fresh-brewed coffee ready while in the process of scrambling eggs in a flat pan.

  For a second, Cassie allowed herself to wonder what life would be like if this was what she had to look forward to each morning. A small smile rose to her lips, even she had to admit it would be beyond her wildest dreams.

  Maybe not with Simon himself, but with a husband somewhere down the road, Cassie felt a stab of hope. Although, the thought of having Simon as a husband was not a bad prospect either. He was kind and beautiful. He just wouldn’t be interested in her.

  Ahh, dreams. They can’t last, Cassie. Get to work before he turns around and sees you gawking.

  “Good morning, Simon,” Cassie spoke softly as she walked further into the kitchen.

  Jerking up straight, Simon turned with a smile. “Good morning, Cassie. How are you this morning? Feeling any better?”

  “I’m doing great, thank you. My side doesn’t feel as sore. I’m grateful for your help last evening. I'm sure it made a difference.”

  Shrugging, Simon turned away. “It was the least I could do. You offered me a place to stay and food to eat. I suppose we can call our debt equal and speak no more of it.”

  Cassie knew the feeling in the pit of her stomach, and her smile dropped at his stand-offish tone and the turn of his back. She stood staring at his back and wondered if she’d said or did something wrong. It could be he was returning to his senses and realized she wasn’t someone he could like.

  Sighing quietly, Cassie pulled mugs from the cupboard and set them in a row on the counter. Her work began with pouring coffee, from the Darragh’s southern farm, for her father and then herself. She set his at the table, grabbed the plates from the cupboard next, and the silverware.

  Her routine was underway, and by the time Simon had completed fixing his eggs from the Aonghus farm next to their own, she was ready to cook her father's.

  As they had shared the night before, their farm was worked to share its surplus with others in the kingdom. Everyone gave what they could from their farms or the work they could provide with their hands, and no money was exchanged.

  Their own farm produced some of the best Irish potatoes during the spring and fall. Her father was already preparing for the summer vegetables, and now it would be put on hold.

  “Would you like some?” Simon asked as he finished.

  “Thank you, but I’ll wait until I prepare my father's first.”

  “I already made his,” Simon told her, and took two of the plates she'd laid out and spooned an equal portion of eggs onto both.

  Cassie momentarily couldn't speak. This stranger had fixed her father's breakfast? She had never met a man who cooked and did it well, with only her father and Aven as examples. Unsure what to say next, Cassie took the plate he handed to her and followed him to the table.

  They were seated before Cassie found her tongue. “Thank you. You fed my father? Where is he?”

  “Yes, I made him a plate of eggs and coffee before my own. He said he was going to check the fields and give instructions to those he has hired for his absence. I asked if he wanted my help, but he didn't. I told him I'd eat and be ready to leave whenever he wishes.”

  “Oh,” Cassie felt the corners of her lips tilt upward. “That was very kind of you. I’m sure my father appreciated it. I will fix you both some food to take with you.”

  Ignoring his protest, Cassie took her eggs to the counter. In no time, she had started peeling potatoes. She grabbed bites of food as she fixed each. The eggs were cooked well and flavored with salt and onion, from their garden, to perfection.

  “Did you sleep well last night?” Cassie asked.

  “Yes, it was very comfortable, thank you.” Simon paused and smiled at her.

  Smiling back, Cassie questioned, “Were you warm enough?”

  “It wasn’t really cold last night, so the blanket you provided was perfect. It’s been a little while since I bedded down in a barn. I liked smelling the fresh straw.”

  “I’m sure it was an experience. I can’t say I’ve ever had the pleasure. I was worried you might be uncomfortable. I’m relieved to hear you weren’t.”

  “Thanks. It was fine. I’ve had some experience sleeping outside.” Simon took a drink of his coffee.

  “Do you work outdoors?” Cassie ate the last of her eggs and drank the rest of her coffee.

  Shrugging, he stood and took her empty plate with his and washed them both. Seeing he wasn’t going to answer, Cassie followed him and picked up a rag.

  “You don’t have to do that,” she told him.

  “I don’t mind at all,” Simon said.

  “I’ll get started on the lunches then,” Cassie replied and went to look in the pantry for the potatoes. Finding five in a basket, she pulled them out.

  Drying his hands, he grabbed another knife and helped peel the small spuds with her. Before long, they were frying, and Cassie had a bag packed for both men to take.

  In the pantry, she took out a few ripe apples and hunted for the last of the dried beef. Once she had secured both apples in the bag with some cracker chips, she added the dried beef. Simon had stationed himself in front of the potatoes and turned them with ease.

  “You know your way around a kitchen very well. Did your mother teach you?”

  There was a pause in the air before he spoke, “I learned with an old cook. It was a part of my training. Each day I had three hours at different mealtimes to go and cook. I was also taught how to prepare food outdoors. My family felt it was important for me to be well trained for whatever life throws my way.”

  “So, does your family come from a long line of cooks then?” Cassie tried to find out more about him.

  She sincerely wanted to know what his life was like. His clothes were well-made and the fabric expensive. He must come from some type of wealthy background, but she felt it would be inappropriate to ask outright.

  Sons of wealthier families didn't often rush to volunteer for war. Not that there were any rich families, technically, since everyone was meant to share, and there wasn’t currency any longer. Some families just seemed to have more. She supposed it had always been that way.

  Richer families didn't hold themselves above war, necessarily, but her father had spoken of families with money from the last war who held back their sons if they could, especially the oldest sons. She wondered if he was an older son or not.

  Aven was not going to war at Miriam's edict. She wouldn't let him. Not that this would be a great loss to those at arms. Aven would get himself killed in a matter of minutes.

  “We have cooks in the family,” Simon finally replied, startling Cassie from her thoughts.

  Cassie waited to see if he would elaborate, but nothing more came. Not wanting to seem overly interested or disrespectful, she held her tongue. She wanted to know more, but how to ask?

  “They have taught you well,” she finally added.

  Her father entered the back door ending any hope of further conversation. He took them in with a smile, another first in so many years.

  When her mother had lived, her father would enter with a big smile and tales of his day in the field. He would tell stories of birds talking to him. They would laugh at him as he acted out the farce with green eyes shining.

  “Well, there. I am delighted to see you so at home with us, my boy. Has Cassie been fixing us a m
eal worthy of kings?”

  “Yes, sir. She has taught me a trick or two.”

  The kindness was back in his voice, and Cassie knew his lie was for her father's benefit. She felt a flush creep up her cheeks and warm her stomach.

  “I doubt that,” she responded, but with a smile in his direction.

  Simon blinked at the brightness of her eyes and the happiness of her smile. Somewhere in his heart he felt a tug. Cassie was not someone he'd forget any time soon.

  Her father took up the cup of coffee she had set out for him on the table. He sipped from it as Cassie finished the potatoes and let them cool to pack. She spooned a few onto Simon's previous plate, now clean.

  Then she filled a plate for her father. She set them on the table and both men sat to eat, talking together in a companionable way. The steady rumble of their voices gave her a safe feeling, and she couldn't help but wish it would last.

  “Do you suppose many men will be there?” Simon asked.

  “All in the area who are able to walk will be there, my boy. When the king asks for volunteers, there will be volunteers. Make no mistake, we’ll all be hoping there isn’t another war, but we will do our duty.”

  “The king can’t ask for more than that,” Simon replied.

  “He could, but the king isn’t selfish. Many in the past would expect men to live and die without a qualm, but King Tritium isn’t like them. His banquets for the whole kingdom and his sharing are legendary. We’re all very grateful we don’t have King Ammandon to deal with instead. I wonder what his ancestors would say about this?”

  Simon shrugged. “I have speculated over the same question. None of them ever attempted what he’s started.”

  “Well, I suppose we’ll see first hand how it all plays out.”

  Cassie watched them take their last bites of food as they chatted with one another. She had assumed her stepmother would be making her way to the kitchen to see her father off.

  Am I wrong?

  “Good meal, Cassie me-dear. We probably should be on our way.”

  Simon and her father stood and took their plates to the sink. Cassie cleaned off the table as the men gathered the lunches she had packed for them. Following them outside, she waited while her father saddled the horses.

  “I’m almost through here, Cassie me-dear. I suppose Simon will be here shortly, but there’s something I wanted to say to you before I go,” her father said.

  He turned from the horses and held out a hand to her. Cassie walked a few steps forward and placed her hand in his. Biting her lip, she wondered what he wanted to say.

  “You’ve been the best daughter a man could ask for, and I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done. I know the last few years haven’t been easy on you, and I wanted you to know I’ve been aware of it. What I’m trying to say, Cassie, is I love you. More than words can say.”

  Cassie’s eyes pricked, and she squeezed her father’s hand. He pulled her into a tight hug, patting her back, and murmuring low words.

  Catching a few of them as she cried, Cassie heard him repeat his love for her. She’d never thought he’d say them again. Drawing back, her father took his fingers and wiped the tears from her cheeks. He kissed her on the forehead and took a step back.

  “I see we have a late riser,” he spoke, and Cassie turned to find her stepmother exiting the door behind them.

  Looking elegant in a morning gown and hair pulled into a clip at her neck, Miriam came sweeping out to greet them. Cassie stayed by her father’s side and brushed her fingers over her cheeks to dry the remaining tears.

  Wishing she’d had a few more minutes alone with her father, she cleared her throat and watched her stepmother approach. Simon came from the barn at the same time and came to her side.

  “I apologize for oversleeping, Lachlan. It was not my intention. I thought Cassie would call me if I woke too late.” Miriam directed her sharp stare in Cassie's direction.

  Cassie wilted a bit from the cold, blue gaze. She hadn't realized the expectation was for her to wake her stepmother. The accusation didn't surprise her.

  Turning to pet her horse’s muzzle, Cassie kissed him and ignored her stepmother’s regard. He was going to serve as Simon’s ride since he didn’t have his own. They only owned the two horses, and she was happy to share him with her new friend.

  “I’m sorry, mama. I didn’t realize you wanted me to wake you.”

  “Obviously,” Miriam’s voice held the customary screech.

  “It’s fine, Miriam. I’m glad you’re here now. I was going to peek my head in anyway.”

  Cassie looked at her father as he spoke and wondered if he was defending her. A sensation she couldn’t name crept through her as she pressed her face to Chestnut’s fur and held her smile. It would figure she’d lose her father just as he started to come back to her.

  Miriam embraced Lachlan. Simon looked between the couple and Cassie. Sensing this wasn’t easy on her, he moved closer to her side and took her hand on impulse.

  Cassie glanced at his hand in surprise. Catching her look, Simon started to remove it, but Cassie reached out and entwined her fingers through his.

  Both stood staring at their interlaced fingers.

  “Hurry home, Lachlan. We’ll miss you terribly,” Miriam said.

  Cassie rolled her eyes at Simon, and he stepped closer and gave her a small smile. Their hands rested between them, tucked against their thighs.

  “I suppose this is goodbye,” he whispered to her as Miriam continued speaking with her father.

  “I suppose so,” Cassie replied as she turned to face him. Sneaking a peek at her parents, she returned his smile. “Thank you for saving me.”

  “It was my pleasure. I believe I got more from our exchange than you, however. Are you really feeling okay?”

  Nodding, Cassie leaned forward as if to share a secret. Simon's head came closer as well.

  “Thank you for standing up to Petunia and Aven as well. I'm afraid they didn't like it though.”

  “They weren't meant to. However, if they bother you at all, you must let me know. I have family who would gladly care for you,” Simon spoke before he thought better of it.

  Of course, he couldn't tell her who his parents were. Still, what a stupid mistake to promise something when he had no way of making good on said promise at the moment.

  “I’ll be fine.”

  With her pursed lips and straightened shoulders, Simon had no doubt believing she had survived this long on her wits and strength of character. He squeezed her hand, glad that she hadn’t pulled it from his own. It was soft on the back where his fingers rested. A part of him didn’t want to let go.

  “I'll keep an eye on your father,” he added, but he didn’t mention his morning talk with Aven. He’d peeked in on her brother after Lachlan had gone to the fields and discussed the merits of Aven not hurting his younger sister.

  “Thank you.” Her eyes were wide and bright, and Simon thought he saw them fill before she blinked and turned away.

  Strangely, he didn't want to leave her. War didn't feel like such a place to prove himself as it once had, but determination would not let him turn back now. Perhaps he could send a message to his father somehow to protect this girl.

  In the short day he'd met her, Cassie had come to mean something to him. Probably as his mentor's daughters had become his sisters in the five years he was with them, so too had Cassie taken residence in his heart.

  He didn't know if it was a good thing or not.

  “Be safe,” he whispered, and then before he could talk himself out of it, he pulled her into a hug.

  He heard her sharp intake of breath. Unlike his mentor's daughters, whom he had come to love and hugged when he took his leave, Cassie didn’t remind him of them. For a moment, Simon felt a squeeze deep within his heart and wondered what these feelings might mean.

  Her thin arms wrapped around him and hugged him fiercely. It almost cut off his air supply for a moment and
could be felt to his bones. Simon squeezed back, his arms lingering around her, holding on.

  “No matter what happens, I will return here. Goodbye, Cassie,” he whispered.

  “Goodbye, Simon. May the wind always be at your back, and may you return to those you love.”

  With tears in his eyes, Simon took a deep breath and stepped back. He noticed her tears and felt a hollowness inside his heart and stomach. It was a strange experience to feel so close to someone you had just met.

  Perhaps it was his desire to protect her?

  The silence around them, except for the morning bird calls, pulled them back to their surroundings. Cassie's father stood smiling at them in a knowing way, while Miriam had a contemplative scowl upon her face.

  Not wanting to bring Cassie more trouble, Simon stepped forward and hugged Miriam as well. “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Alasdair,” he told her.

  “You’re quite welcome, Mr. Rupert,” Miriam responded.

  “Thank you,” Simon reiterated and took a step back.

  Cassie's father turned to give her another hug. Surprised at the strength in his grip, Cassie held on as tightly as she could.

  “Do your best, me-dear. Make me proud, and I'll return to you.” He kissed her cheek and stepped back.

  Still shocked by this lucid and affectionate version of her father, Cassie stood as closely to him as she could once their hug ended. Both listened as Simon finished his goodbyes to Miriam.

  “I hope we will meet again, Mrs. Alasdair. Health be with you and your family. Thank you for your hospitality of home and shelter. I appreciated the wonderful meal.”

  Miriam softened to give him a small pat on the back and a warmer smile than before. She nodded and said, “You are more then welcome, Mr. Rupert. Be safe.”

  Nodding, Simon and Mr. Alasdair took up their bags once more and grasped the reins of their horses. Each headed around the front of the house.

  Miriam and Cassie followed them to the road, and watched them make their way north. They were almost over the small hill when both turned and waved one last time.

  Miriam waved once and turned to walk back to the house. “Don’t be long, Cassie. Breakfast needs to be made,” she called out on her way.