Peculiar Soul

Chapter 93: Parental Interactions

Chapter 93: Parental Interactions

Look at the lamps flame. All men will agree that there is light as it burns, but when standing in night with thoughts of day, a single lamp is little different from darkness.

Feel the lamps flame. All men will agree that there is heat, but it will not save the man freezing in the depths of winter.

Yet fire is among the simplest threads of life. None may live without it, and all know its touch. Its scent grasps us more than any other, its flickering motion calls to the spirit in the same voice as men. Among the aspects of the divine, the Flame stands proudly.

Many stand confused that a thing so dear to us should hold such difference when viewed through the myriad eyes of men, but it is a natural consequence. The lever pulls at its utmost close to the fulcrum. The baker and the woodsman both dwell upon fire; the man ablaze thinks of little else.

And still, it is only flame. Pity those with greater sight than yours; for they see things closer and greater than your eyes shall ever know.

- The Book of Eight Verses, the Verse of Truth. (New Kheman Edition, 542 PD)

If Michael had been asked what differentiated the grey, choppy waters of the Iron Bay from those elsewhere in the world, he would have likely said that there was nothing in particular to set them apart. As their small ferry made its transit from west to east across the bay, however, something settled into place, something he had not missed or even noticed until it returned to him.

He was coming home.

Compared to their last couple of sea voyages, this had been downright simple; the Iron Bay was always swarming with barges, boats and ferries linking Calmharbor to points elsewhere in the bay or down the coast. They had only needed to travel a small ways before they found a port with a departing ferry.

It was still snowing as they were underway, the storm having lost none of its intensity in its sweep eastward. The mass of snowflakes obscured the late morning light, encasing the boat in a soft, close cloak of white; the first warning they had of their approach to Calmharbor was the groan of its foghorn. The ferry pulled up to the public docks with little fanfare, dropping its gangway before it had fully stopped moving; Michael stepped onto the dock and took a breath of the salt and smoke.

Ghars blood, it smells rotten, Charles muttered. Like burning pitch, if pitch were made from fish. No wonder you were so eager to get out, lordling.

Michael laughed. You get used to it, he said. I had forgotten, to be honest, or Id have warned you. It gets better as you draw farther distant from the docks. He sent his sight upward until the streets blurred behind the haze, trying to get his bearings. After a moment, he pointed to the left.

This way, he said. We can cut over in a few blocks and walk straight to the government quarter. Theres lodging there, although itll be expensive- He broke off, realizing he was rambling. Lodging first. He began to walk across the creaking wooden boards towards the quay street, threading around coils of rope and stacked crates, only to draw up short as a port official stepped into his path.

Name and business? the official droned, sounding half-asleep.

Michael, Lord Baumgart, Michael replied. Assembly matters.

The official gave a snort, seeming to startle awake from his stupor to peer at Michael. His eyes traced over Michaels rough, haphazard clothing, still ripped from mistreatment while fighting the Institute. There had been no chance to wash up, and Michaels hair and beard were both in disarray.

You want to try that again, milord? the man chuckled. Youre far from the first Michael Baumgart weve had through here this month, though the others at least looked the part. He tapped his pencil against his clipboard sharply. Now give us your real name, and I wont summon the constabulary for impersonation.

There was a pause, one only slightly perturbed by Charles and Sobriquet attempting to restrain their laughter. Michael looked back at their moderate success, then turned to the official with a sigh. I really dont look the part, do I? he asked. But unfortunately, that is my name.

The other man scowled, tucking his clipboard under his arm. So youd rather talk to the constables-

Michael smiled and let his soul spill out into the snowfall. The wind stilled, the snow hung motionless in midair for an eternal moment as the sounds of the port faded to silence. He waited until he saw the color drain from the officials cheeks, then relaxed his grip upon his surroundings. The wind resumed with chilly vigor.

I assure you, Michael said, Im telling the truth.

The man blinked against the sudden blast of snow that carried into his face, wiping a hand nervously across his eyes. Ah, he said. Ah, well- He looked up at Michaels smiling face, then behind him at the others. Assembly matters, you said?

Thats right, Michael replied. Matters of some urgency.

There was the briefest of pauses from the official before Michael felt the mans meager resistance crumble. Then I wont detain you, milord. Please enjoy your day.

Michael gave him a smile and nod, then walked past him towards the street. Sobriquet followed with a contemptuous snort.

Thats it? she said. What horrible security. Youre telling me that I could have just sailed to Calmharbor at any point during the occupation and come ashore that easily? She shook her head. If Id known intimidating petty officials was all it took, Id have set fire to the Assembly years ago.

Lets put that off until after weve dealt with Luc, Michael muttered. We do actually need to talk to the constabulary at some point, too - theyre likely to take a threat to the lives of the Assemblymen more seriously than the Assemblymen themselves. Assembly first, then constabulary, then - hm.

May I suggest the Mendiko embassy? Unai rasped. If pressure on the Assemblymen is whats needed, they can likely arrange for some.

Michael nodded. How cooperative can we expect them to be? he asked. I know the Batzar has their own agenda here.

The Star is everyones top priority, Unai replied, shaking his head. There will undoubtedly be some political complications from involving them, but the situation has worsened considerably from when we first began searching. The last thing they want is for the bearer of the Star to involve himself with foreign government in any official capacity. Theyll be even more invested than we are in ensuring that no dialog begins between Luc and the Assembly.

Maybe before the constabulary, then, Michael agreed. I want to try and get us on the agenda at tomorrows session of the Assembly. Notionally its a simple matter of asking the parliamentarian, but Ive never actually exercised my right to address the Assembly before - and my father is still a seated member, so those may both present issues.

Sobriquet nodded. I should probably stay back, she sighed, looking up at the buildings around them. I cant be sure how far Sibyl has spread my description; while the Ardans trying to arrest me would be amusing, it probably wouldnt help us much.

I think most of us should stay behind, Michael said. Lars is a deserter, Zabala and Unai arent supposed to be in Ardalt, youre- He looked at Sobriquet, tallying words in his head. -very illegal. So, yes. Ill go to the Assembly alone.

Arent you something of a criminal yourself? she asked, nudging him with her hip. Wont that pose an issue?

Michael shook his head. Probably not. It was only ever the Institute that was looking for me. His steps hitched a bit as he realized what he had said; a moment later he sighed, giving Sobriquet a rueful smile. Sofia may have said something, of course, but if any constables trouble me I can remind them of who my father is and they should go away.

Its like watching a fish slip back into water, Charles muttered from just behind them. Weve barely arrived back in the city and hes already acting the rich brat.

The comment earned him a flat look from Michael. Itd be the first time, if it happens, he said. I didnt really get into trouble when I was here before.

Charles smirked. Im glad were such a good influence on you, he said, lacing his fingers behind his head and stretching. He looked down the long street with an annoyed expression. How big is this city, anyway? he asked. Im looking down this street and I dont see an end.

Rather big, Mike said. A good quarter of Ardalts population is in or around Calmharbor, last time I checked. Larger than Imes by a fair amount, although not the largest city in the world - Goitxea is bigger, I think. Probably Khem as well, but the Safid have never been prone to sharing population figures.

A constables eyes lingered on them from across the street, watching their roughly-dressed group pass. The streets had grown less crowded, the buildings cleaner; Michael realized that they were drawing far enough from the docks that their attire made them conspicuous. He steered them down a side street and nudged Sobriquet; she veiled them just as the attentive constable rounded the corner.

Michael looked back at the confused man as they walked onward down the narrow alley. I think Ill need a change of clothes before the Assembly, he muttered.

Lars coughed from behind him. Going to be rough finding a tailor who can work on such short notice, he said. Especially when you walk in dressed like that. There are a few places where the Webels have an account-

No, I have someone already, Michael said, a smile tugging at his lips. His next steps took him to the end of the alley; as they emerged back onto the street he found that he recognized some of the buildings. Theres an inn just down the street that my father used to complain about. Said it catered to disreputable sorts; I imagine that makes it perfect for our purposes. Well get settled in, then Sera and I will go back out.

You need help picking out a suit, lordling? Charles asked.

Michael laughed. No, but we nearly got arrested just now and it wasnt in a particularly nice part of town, he said. Where Im going, I wouldnt make it five paces down the street without getting stopped. But more than that- He looked at Sobriquet. Theres someone I want you to meet.

This is the place? Sobriquet asked, peering through the wrought-iron bars of the fence. Ghars bones, Ive been in villages that took up less land. She squinted. And were built with fewer bricks. You really lived here?

Michael nodded, feeling an odd mix of emotions as he looked at his fathers house. His home, for most of his life. He squinted at the carriage house. There was only one set of tracks, and it was buried under a decent layer of fresh snow. Is my father in? Its early enough that I wouldnt expect him back.

Sobriquet paused, then shook her head. Just a woman in the kitchen, she said. And an older man, but hes dusting - I dont think thats your father.

Hm. Michael tapped his chin. What do you think his reaction will be when he learns Ive returned? he asked.

Difficult to say, milord. The manservant frowned. Im sorry to say that he hasnt mentioned you once since you left. Not in public, and certainly not to me. Its difficult to say what a man might do in those circumstances, if confronted with a truth he doesnt want to see.

Michael sighed, then scratched at his newly-shaven cheek. I suppose Ill just have to deal with that right along with the rest of it. He paused for a moment. It cant have been easy for you and Helene, alone with him all this time.

We managed, milord, Ricard chuckled. Its no small skill to be nimble underfoot, but its one weve practiced for years.

When I leave here, Im going to return to Mendian, Michael said. If you two want to come with me there, or travel on to Esrou, I would make it happen. The last words he spoke carried force that he did not intend, one that shivered the windowpanes and sent snow fluttering down from the tree branches outside. Ricard arched an eyebrow at the disturbance, then smiled.

When your lord grandfather brought us here, we promised to serve the Lord Baumgart, Ricard said. And we have, and will. He nodded firmly, then smiled up at Michael. I should think hed have no objection to us serving the greater of the two. Of course well come.

Michael found himself grinning again. Wonderful, he said, clasping Ricards shoulder. Speak nothing of it until our business in Calmharbor is concluded, but before I leave-

He broke off as the door to the far hall opened and Sobriquet strode out in a slender, uncomplicated dress under a leather and fur coat with a heavy lapel. It had obviously been intended as an understated outfit for formal or somber occasions, but Sobriquets bearing transformed it into something more militaristic. Helene had given her a half-cloak draped neatly over her left side, obscuring where the empty sleeve had been pinned back. Her hair was washed, and pinned to fall artfully over her scarred cheek.

She gave him a look, lifting her chin as if daring comment.

You look fantastic, Michael said.

I do, she laughed. She twirled a bit, making the hem of the dress flare out. I admit that its not the most practical, but its much less restrictive than I imagined such clothing would be.

Lady Liesl always hated clothing that bound too tightly, Helene said, coming up beside her with a handbag.

Sobriquet took it, then frowned and looked inside. She sniffed. Are these biscuits? she asked.

Scones, Helene replied happily. For the road.

I think Im in love, Sobriquet sighed. She winked at Helene, then offered her arm to Michael. Not that you dont look dashing. Shall we go to the Assembly, Lord Baumgart?

Michael raised an eyebrow, but took her arm. I thought the plan was to have you stay back, so that we didnt involve the constabulary?

And waste this? she asked. Ill just vanish if need be. Besides, if I showed up at the safehouse looking like this, Charles would actually die.

Im not seeing the downside, Michael said. But all right. He kissed her hand, then pulled away to face Ricard and Helene again. Thank you both, so much, he said. For everything.

Ricard smiled; he sketched a short bow. Helene curtsied beside him, her cheeks dimpled and eyes twinkling. Always, Ricard said. Good luck.

Michael nodded, feeling tears welling in his own eyes; he let himself look a moment longer then turned back to Sobriquet, the door, and the snowstorm outside.

They arrived at the Assembly not too much later, sped along by a passing carriage; having dressed, they now drew the eye in a different way and found it much easier to hail transport as a result. Michael held his arm out for Sobriquet to disembark and tossed a coin to the driver as if it were not one of his last.

You really were born for this, Sobriquet murmured. That looked practiced.

Michael flushed. It wasnt. Just spent too long watching everyone else do it, I suppose.

She took his arm again, forcefully. Dont you dare stop. We are going to stomp all over this city in our ludicrously-expensive shoes and make them all bend to our will.

Youre liking this entirely too much, Michael observed.

Her cheeks flushed. Ghars blood, I am. No wonder rich people act the way they do. I feel like I could kill someone with a look.

You can, Michael said, patting her hand. Come on, lets see the parliamentarian before he goes home for the day. Keep an eye out for my father, Id rather not run into him first. In the worst case, he might try to obstruct us- He paused as they drew close to the gate guard, lifting his chin in his best Lord Baumgart stance. The man saluted, then held his hand out.

Michael looked at it. Yes? he asked.

Papers, milord, the soldier replied stiffly.

Papers, Michael repeated. Oh, but I must have forgotten mine back at the estate. Darling, did you-?

Ive quite forgotten mine, Sobriquet sighed. Will we be late for our appointment, then?

Michael looked back at the guard. I dont suppose you could pass us through just this once? he asked. I had a spot on the parliamentarians schedule-

Sorry, milord, the soldier said. Were at full ensouled protocols with the Institute lurking about. Nobody in or out without papers.

Michael paused a moment, his smile fading slightly. Then I suppose we shall be late, he said. Come along, darling.

Sobriquet fell into step, leaning close as her veil stole their voices away. What was that? she asked. I know youre opposed to using Spark-

If theyre concerned about Institute infiltration, theyll be watching for Shines, Michael muttered. We couldnt get in, not without raising a fuss. Well have to find another-

I say, Michael! a voice thundered from behind them. I thought that was you!

Michael froze, then slowly turned to look at the man who had called his name; he was a robust man with hair that had once been full and dark. His cheeks were flushed in the cold behind an immaculate mustache, though he wore clothing that was perhaps even finer than theirs. He waved his hand as they turned, walking towards them across the plaza.

Thoughts? Michael whispered. I dont know him.

Sobriquet shook her head slightly. He walked out of the Assembly, she said. We should play along. She stepped forward to greet the man, a smile breaking out on her face. He barely slowed as he approached them, spreading his meaty arms to usher them away from the Assembly building at a brisk clip.

We should speak, the man rumbled, his voice bereft of the cheer that had been dripping from it previously. And where we speak should be quiet, milady.

Sobriquet looked up at the man, no longer smiling. I can do quiet, she said, backing her words with the slow embrace of her veil. You know who we are.

The man gave her a pained look. Yes, he said. Obviously. Dramatic posturing at a minimum, please, we havent much time. You came to the city later than Id prefer. We need to discuss-

-your name? Michael interjected. Your name seems like a fine place to start.

The mans jaw clenched; he steered them down a side street. The noise of the Assembly plaza faded behind them. I suppose the timing isnt terrible, he muttered. Fine, yes. He looked suddenly and intensely at Sobriquet. Carolus Altenbach.

Before she could summon more than a stormy expression on her face, Carolus had lifted a finger between them. Ah! he said. Ah, ah! You very much dislike my daughter and my niece, Im aware. Its a viewpoint Ive entertained as well. Unfortunately for all of us we must be productive, so if you please? He gestured onward down the street.

A long moment passed before Sobriquet turned and walked in the direction he indicated, muttered curses trailing in her wake. Michael gave him a considering look before following. Carolus, he repeated. Vera had spoken of you. Youre not at all like I imagined.

Carolus gave a quick, mirthless chuckle. Am I not? he asked. Strange. Youre just as I expected. He looked at Michael, an odd look that spurred a pang of complex emotion from within the older man; before Michael could question it, though, he was being urged forward.

Come, come, Carolus said. Theres never any time.