Bri04 - The Darkest One

The darkness parts slightly revealing a rectangular dining table laying short-wise to Brian. The four blue flames come from tall tapers set in silver candlesticks. The table can seat four, four place settings are laid out, and large serving platters are covered with silver domes.

In the darkness high above two metal rods hum and sparks of blue flash between them in a random pattern. Just barely within the light cast by the table Brian can see a couch.

A man sits at the table across from where Brian stands. He wears black with white accents. His skin is pale and his hair is bone white hanging down past his shoulders.

"Dinner is about to be served and I would have been disappointed if you were late," he continues.

"Ah1 I see you have brought along an appetizer to share," he says looking at Shelly. "This is not the type of meat we usually dine on in my house but I wouldn't want to be an ungracious host and refuse your gift.

"Have you a wine pairing in mind to go with the meat? Surely something red would be best? Let me know and I can bring it forth and let it breathe while we share in the cleaning and butchering of your gift."

Brian turns to the stranger for a moment a frown on his face. "I swear you lot have a different custom of hospitality then I am used to. She is my traveling companion. Unfortunately the civil unrest outside has not agreed with her. I don't wish to be tardy but I need to see to her wounds. I need to get her stable enough so she can recover. At which time I would be free to take the pleasure of your company." He has a soft exhale. "And if you don't honor the lady with hospitality I'd be forced to take umbrage on her behalf as she is currently unable to do so. "He recovers his temperament a bit. "But forgive me. You know who I am and I don't have the privilege of knowing who you are."

"Yes, that unrest is most distressing, is it not? I'm afraid you and your young friends will have much to answer for in the coming days and months. But that is for another time." he says, still being as friendly as can be.

"I am Lord Mandor of House Sawall. Fortunately, I have more than enough food here for all of us, so your friend will not be necessary.

"Place her on the couch if you wish; it should be long enough to stretch her out fully. In a drawer of the end-table, you will find a medical kit that should have everything you need to begin the healing process. Sadly there are no better facilities available, but I trust my modest equipment will be all you need."

A small table appears beside the couch while Mandor speaks.

"I imagine your operation will take some time, yes? I will get the wine to breathe and perhaps add a white on ice. I find the contrast adds to the enjoyment of a fine meal, don't you agree?"

The work is complex and delicate but when complete Shelly looks to be resting comfortably although she is still very pale from blood loss and will require a lot more rest before back to her usual self. The horrific scars left behind, both physical and mental, will require longer to recover from.

"Ah, a moment, King. In your concern for your lady companion you have neglected your own injuries."

A table holding a basin of water and mirror appears from the darkness beside Brian. Looking in the mirror he can see some cuts and bruises on his neck and head with a few requiring stitches.

Mandor gets out of his seat and assists in the work. He shows a dexterous hand and skill with medicine. Once done he returns to his seat after washing his hands.

"'Seek you out'? I do believe it was you who barged in to my home, dear King. I always stay prepared for any unexpected guests dropping in for a visit to Mandorways, fortunately for you and your friend," he responds then gets up to remove the covers off the serving dishes.

"Help yourself. I imagine that riot suppression is a taxing ordeal and one works up quite an appetite in one's exertions."

He takes a few forks of some roasted meat onto his plate then spoons some stewed vegetables.

"Red or white?" he asks hold a bottle of wine in each hand.

Mandor raises his glass for the toast.

"To all who are served by fortuitous coincidences," he says with a smile before taking a sip then smiling at the taste.

"The days are good while fortune serves us, but when the cards are dealt in reverse, then we become fortune's servants. That's not so good. How much more agreeable it would be there was a way to rise above such shifts and become a Master of Fortune."

"You are young and still think of fortune as something you deal with yourself. Look to age and experience, my friend, and get rid of the deck, get away from the table; there is no need to deal anything out when you walk hand and hand with Fortune.

"Oh King, if you don't mind my saying, you claim to deal your own hand and yet I sense your passage through Time and Shadow; I see you being dealt out like a card in a deck rather than as the dealer. Certainly, you wouldn't have ended up as this young lady's keeper had you chosen your own-"

He is interrupted by Shelly groaning in pain.

"To heal is to experience true pain, I'm afraid. Would you accept my assistance? Perhaps a spell or two of mine could dampen the pain and let her rest peacefully."

A touch of a smile tugs at a corner of Mandor's mouth.

"It is such a shame that those of us who have harnessed the Art are held in such suspicion. But then, you've seen the ice and the flame, have you not?

"I am afraid that her mind will need to be manipulated and bewitched to hide the pain. There is no way to help her otherwise."