After hearing about Gregory’s test, the men were eager to train on the extra day they had before marching again. He marched with them a few times, giving them even more incentive to be as perfect as possible.
Just as it was time to turn in for the night, a messenger came into the camp. Basal met the man, taking the messages from him, then bringing them to Gregory and Rafiq while they played their last game of Shogi. A glance showed them the names on the letters, and both stared at their respective letters for a long moment.
“If you don’t mind, Greg, I’m going to concede so I can go,” Rafiq said, touching his letter lovingly.
“Hmm? Oh, yeah. Letters from home, like mine?” Gregory asked, standing up.
“Yes. My wife and Sarinia both.”
“My father and oldest friend,” Gregory said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Indeed. Good evening,” Rafiq nodded, then headed for his alcove.
Basal watched them both go for a moment before he set about cleaning up the table. Maybe I should write to my parents, he thought. It’s been a couple of years and my pay is enough to let me do so. They’ll be shocked to hear how well I’m being treated. With pursed lips, he nodded— he’d write them when he finished cleaning.
Gregory lit the lamp on the small desk in his room. Setting the letters down, he took a seat, his fingers running over the parchment. One from Gunnar and one from my father, both probably written after the one that I sent at the start of the year, he thought. With a slow breath, he picked up Gunnar’s first.
Greg,
The village celebrated your success. You’re surely showing them what an Alturis man is all about. I never doubted you’d prove the worth of our village to the empire. No man as stubborn as you would fail to do so.
Speaking of stubborn, you’re a great friend. I received a salve from your clan with a letter saying that you’d paid for it. Well, it worked. My fingers are as good as they had been. It’ll let me do even more in the mine. I’d told you not to worry about it, but I should’ve known you’d still do it. I’ll never be able to repay you, but thank you.
As if that wasn’t enough, your wife’s family worked out a deal for the village. We’re going to get even more vela for our work. Your father is the head of Warlin Ores, the branch of the company under their banner. Our two dads are as thick as ever; they’ve been praised here in the village, as everyone is profiting from the deal.
Your father has stayed clean of drink. Even when he goes to the tavern, he just has tea. No one has ever tried to buy him one either. I think my dad had something to do with that. With the time your father has, he’s mostly been helping some new people adjust to life here. You’d know their father, Steva. They’re part-eurtik, and man, are they hard workers. The fact that the village embraced them seemed to light a fire in them to do as much as possible.
I’m going to be a father again. By the time you get this, they’ll be born. My next letter will tell you boy or girl, but I wanted you to know. I’m hoping for a boy. If they’re a boy, we’ll be naming him Gregory. No arguments. I would have before the salve, but with that and the deal for the village, El agreed right away.
Not sure if you want to know this but, Ria and Stan are working on a second child, too. She’s settled down and become a good wife. I think part of her still hopes you’ll come back, but she’s accepted that you moved on. Your father visits her often, and I think that connection helped. Stan’s happy, and even told me to thank you. Him and Ria had a heart-talk. He knew that their first child might’ve been yours. Said he knew it when Ria basically pulled him into marriage; he accepted it and wouldn’t have raised a fuss. But when Bridget was obviously his, he was even more thrilled. Honestly, he’s a good father and husband. He’s not you, but I’ve accepted him for our wives’ sakes.
Your letter about Krogga has us all worried for you. They’re barbarians and… well… you aren’t exactly strong like me. I figure you’ll out stubborn them into accepting you. At least your wives will be with you, and three of them or more? Ria wouldn’t have been able to accept that. El has had a few unkind words on the matter. Be prepared for her sharp tongue if you ever do come back. She doesn’t think you can possibly do right by so many women.
I know better. You’d never accept someone you couldn’t love. Maybe it’s unkind, but you proved that when you became a magi. We’ll wish you well and look forward to hearing how your year training with guards went. Keep your chin up, Greg.
Your friend forever,
Gunnar and family
Gregory set the letter down, wiping at his eyes. That last small thread of worry for Ria parted silently. His heart stilled as he took slow deep breaths.
“You chose well, Ria…” Gregory murmured. “Take care of her, Stan.”
Gregory picked the letter back up to read it again, smiling as he imagined Gunnar with his new fingers. He knew he needed to write Dia a thank you letter; she’d bought and sent the salve ahead of him having paid for it all.
Folding the letter up, he set it down for the one from his father.
Son,
I’m glad you are doing well. The fact you and your wives showed Buldoun the might of the empire doesn’t surprise me. The dedication and love you have for each other was obvious. I’m sure Jenn and Mindie are just as smitten with you as Yuki was.
A healer will help your family a great deal. Little ones always catch illnesses. If you’re anything like me, you’ll worry yourself near sick when that happens. Having a magi healer who can take care of them will ease a lot of worry.
I do remember seeing Mindie healing all of you during the tournament I attended. I hope to meet her one day. The others, too, when or if they join your family. Your mother would be so eager for news of grandchildren. Never doubt she’d accept as many wives as you take, just as she would all the children you’ll have. I know there won’t be any for a decade or so— you have to get through things before it’d be a good time for that. Dia explained during the wedding about how magi wait until their obligations are done so they can settle down to raise children, so don’t do anything foolish.
The passing of Lightshield is a blow to the clan, but also for the empire. I only met him briefly, but I could tell he cared deeply for his clan, whom he obviously considered family. Bishop taking over that role will be good. She’s firm and fair, but can handle harshness when needed.
Yes, Warlin did the village a great service with his deal for ore. I’m the manager of the branch company he set up. That lets me stay in the village, only going to the mine once a week to check the ore. Charlie’s been making noise about stepping down as the village elder and passing it to me. I’ve talked him out of it so far, but I think in the next two years, he’ll go through with it.
Never thought I’d be the elder, but well, with everything going on, it makes sense. Warlin’s deal brought a lot of vela to our humble village. We’re prosperous like never before, and everyone’s eager to prove the deal was a good one.
I’ve taken Steva’s sons under my wing. Well, mine and Gunther’s. They’re industrious workers who talk about how great it is to be accepted. I can understand since I visited you. I’d hate to think of how miserable they would’ve been in Wesrik. That blind hatred of eurtiks, I still can’t wrap my head around.
For your posting to the Kroggian Embassy as a magus, be careful. It’s said Kroggians only respect strength. I know you’ve grown, but please be careful and take care of your wives. I’ll pray to Aether for all of you, and maybe even Krog to help pacify his people in regard to your family.
I’ll look forward to your next letter, son. I can never thank your wife enough for bringing us together to mend the bond I broke. I will do my best for our humble village, since she gave us the chance to grow.
Your loving father,
Carmichael
Setting the letter down, Gregory covered his face with his hands as he let the tears flow. He sniffled and wiped at his eyes; the emotions his father had stirred with the mention of his mother accepting his wives had hit him hard. Touching the letter gently, he exhaled a shaky breath.
“Thank you, Father. I’ll write you both back as soon as the tournament ends. Tomorrow’s another day for my men to prove themselves…”
Gregory picked up both letters and let his ring absorb them. Snuffing out the lamp, he stripped down to get ready for bed.
