Chapter 6

It seems a rider came to tell us that Baronet Howser was coming for a visit and he was brining two of his wives. They were still a day out but should be here in the morning. He also took a few extra guards as there had been someone following at a distance. I looked at Bethany and asked if she minded welcoming our guests on my behalf as I had an errand to run and my wife gave me a kiss before pushing me towards the guard house. I headed off and soon I was riding a horse along the road that headed to the capital. When I was close enough I could see people walking around a camp fire I headed far off the road and tied the horse to a tree. Then I was off on foot. I passed the baronet’s carriage at a distance and kept following the road. Not much further on I found a man in a cold camp that seemed to watch the baronet’s camp closely. I closed my eyes and looked around with my stone sense.

There was only one man and one horse. A bedroll was already spread out and the quality wasn’t too great. As soon as I was close enough the crouching man was trapped in a cone of stone shafts. He tried to move around to see what was happening but small needles seemed to grow out of the large spears around him. “Well look what I found on my lands. I wonder just who you might be?” I asked and he sweated. “I am just a simple traveler, why are you attacking me like this?” I walked over to the horse and went through the saddle bags. Nothing much in the way of food our other things a traveler would need. “Well you are not a raider if you don’t have any loot. You are not a traveler since you have no real amounts of food or water. Your armor has iron beneath leather so it looks like less than it is.” I found a small sack by the bed, but there wasn’t anything in it that explained his position. I looked at him and saw a small pouch on his hip. “Don’t move if you want to keep your manhood ok?” the man felt a prick and agreed not to move. I pulled the bag away and it showed he was well paid by someone. White gold was mostly for nobles and merchants.

“So many things tell me to kill you, but something else is telling me not to. Now how about you tell me who you really are and I will forego killing you and dragging your corpse before the Baronet?” The man hung his head and came to a decision. “My name is Grant. I am a guard in the household of Baronet Howser.” I pulled a shaft of stone out and hefted it. “Try something a little more convincing please.” He was sweating. “I really am one of his guards, but I work as a personal guard for lady Irene, his second wife.” Ok, starting to see the picture. “So what are you doing sneaking around in the dark so poorly that the baron knew he was being followed?” He seemed a little heart broken. “When the baronet came to get two of his wives he also told me I was not needed for the journey or the stay. I was to keep an eye on the house instead.”

So did you think he was coming out here to sell her to a slaver or drop her body into a deep hole?” The man seemed confused and I knew that feeling from my old life. “More like you wanted to keep an eye on your lover and make sure she was true to you.” He tried to turn and pain seared his body. “Yep, thanks for proving that point for me. Defending your love is a natural response when you feel she had been slighted.” I looked at the man and saw a very nice ring on his finger. “Gently take your hand and remove that ring.” I said and he just glared at me. “You can give me that ring or I can give your love your head, which will it be?” He pulled the ring off and dropped it on the ground. A shaft of stone flung the ring up and into my hand. “That was a stupid move, one that could cost you and the lady her life.” I turned and began to walk away. “Go home boy if you don’t want to die. From this point on you are in my home and you are not welcome. Refuse my mercy and your head will not be alone in your grave.”

I walked into the dark, dropped into a hole, and waited. The stone turned to dust, I felt him move around trying to find me before running back and picking up his goods and riding off at a good pace. I opened my hole and rose out of it. The idiot was gone, but his problem was left behind. I walked back to my horse and then went to Howsers camp. “Well met” I cried and the man on guard called me in. “Good evening my lord, why are you out here this late?” one of my men asked. Howser came out and seemed just as stunned as my guard. “Well when there are dubious people near my hold I take a personal interest. I don’t like bandit scouts wandering around without permission.” My guard stood tall and looked brave. “I will accompany you to investigate my lord.” I waved him off. “Nothing to worry about, I already visited the man running a cold camp and watching your group.”

I noticed the flap on a tent had shifted so someone could see out. “And?” Howser asked. “The man refused to listen to reason or say who he was. He pulled his sword and that was the last I saw of him. His last scream sent his horse somewhere off into the hills I’m afraid.” My guard laughed and shook his head. “Well he learned the hard way not to fool with a master stone mage.” Howser looked at me. “I opened a seven foot deep hole, he filled it and I filled in the rest. Most bandits end up like that in my town.” I saw a hand clench at the tent material. “You mean?” I looked at the ground and a neat hole opened up in an instant, then closed from the top down. “It’s clean and fast, far more than a bandit deserves don’t you think?” The baron seemed brittle for some reason but nodded his head. “Justice has to be swift out here doesn’t it? You have my thanks Sir Kelton.” I saw a maid rush out and look for water. I took the flask off my horse and walked over to her. “Here let me give you this.” I said and passed her the bottle, and put the ring in her hand. “He lives” was all I said and the maid bowed and rushed away.

“Well now that that is all taken care of I will head back to make sure everything is ready. Bethany doesn’t mind me going out, but she wants me home when my work is done. See you in the morning and if you can wait, we will have breakfast ready for you all.” Howser stood tall and nodded to me. “Thank you again for protecting us. See you for breakfast.” I turned my horse and headed home. I knew this road well so there was no problem riding in the dark. As I did I hoped that stupid woman learned that cheating with a boy can have a bad end. It looks like the baronet knew of this affair though and didn’t like the possible ending of it. I mean by the ending of the boy and not the ending of the affair.

I got home and told Bethany what had happened. She scowled and shook her head. “A stupid woman and even dumber boy and it quietly blew up in their faces. They are damn lucky to find a man that found a decent way to deal with it. No doubt the baronet brought her out here for a reason and it seems to have done something. We aren’t here to clean up noble messes, but it seemed you did more than sweep it under the rug.” She pulled me into her arms. “You are far more noble than anyone in that snake pit of a capital. All the wives cheating on husbands, husbands cheating on wives, all that immoral hiding and the social games that come with it were vile to me then and they are vile to me now. You however don’t touch a woman until she is part of the family, and only then when I throw them at you. That is how it should be.”

This got me thinking. “Should my wives or family be throwing a man or two for me to approve?” Bethany looked at me as if that was vile as well. “Not one of the women pledged to you feel anything for a man other than you.” I looked at her for a moment. “Maybe it might be throwing a woman?” Bethany blushed and seemed a little flustered. “I don’t know what you speak of. That kind of thing is not allowed.” I chuckled. “Where I am from that is far more acceptable than a man with a young girl or even a young woman. As I hope you know considering Jessa and Catlin’s feeling for each other.” She bit her lip. “You really let Jessa and Catlin know it was alright for them to love each other?” I lifted her chin and looked in her eyes. “Catlin needed that kind of love, and I couldn’t be the one to give it to her. So I threw them together, walked a good distance away, and dug a hole to play with rocks in for a while. If that isn’t a husband’s permission what is?”

The next morning Bethany was already in the visitors quarters keeping breakfast nice and hot. There were a few of my women bustling about as maids and servants for the time being. They made sure the pillows were puffed and the beds were clean and ready. The guards would be taken to the guardhouse for their time here. Bethany and I were ready when two carriages pulled up and out of the first came Baronet Howser, who then helped two women step out after him. The other had maids jump out and start pointing which boxes and bags needed to be taken into the house.

“Good morning Baronet Howser, how are you doing this fine day?” I asked with as much real joy as I could summon. Howser shook my hand and turned to his wives. “Sir Kelton let me introduce my first wife Lady Delain, and my second wife Lady Irene.” I bowed to them both. “I am Sir Mikael of Kelton, may I also introduce my first wife Bethany.” The ladies all bowed to each other but there was some major tension among everyone. Mostly it seemed everyone was pissed at Irene. I had to revise my predetermined dislike of the person as she couldn’t be more than seventeen. All teens fucked up when it came to matters of emotion.

We went inside and let me tell you they were all shocked at the way the outside really didn’t match the inside. As we stood with everyone in the dining room I called out. “Everyone, I would also like to introduce part of my family. These ladies here all asked to perform as your maids and cooks while you are staying with us. Please feel free to ask them if you need anything or have questions.” As we all ate breakfast the women were gawking at the glass plates, cut glass tumblers of tea, and even silverware I had personally crafted. Delain looked at me and asked where I bought the dinnerware. I told her all the glass work here was from our local artisans. “I have never seen anything like this in my life, it is so beautiful.” I smiled. “My father in law was an artisan in the capital but was never allowed to show what he was capable of. I asked him to move here and start a glass workshop and this is what he was able to do with some of our local artisans. They use a special device to cut the glass to make the pattern, then they sit in an oven to finish the polished look.”

We kept the talk light and of no real importance as to keep the glares to a minimum. After we ate Bethany asked if they would like to see the glass works and the both jumped at the chance. The baronet asked to talk to me in my office and we headed over there. Once we were sitting on the couch he looked at me. “Mikael please tell me what happened last night. I know you already know about Irene’s infidelity, but I have to take much of the responsibility for that.” He looked uncomfortable. “Ours was a political marriage so I don’t expect much, but having her lover following her here?” I shook my head. “Baronet Howser, your inner household goings on are none of my business. You don’t tell me how to love my two hundred women I won’t tell you how to manage yours, deal?” He smiled and nodded “Deal”. “As to that young moron who followed you? I gave him a good scare, took a ring off his hand, and decided to give young Irene a good scare as well. It’s one thing to live your lives as you wish, but such public stupidity has to come with a price don’t you think?” He took a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you for the help, the respect, and lessons.”

“So your grace, what are you really here for? Our good friend Will was here not that long ago, so I doubt he needs another report so soon.” He laughed at this. “You greatly impressed that man. He has paraded that glass ware around like it’s a national treasure, and when in private he has a piece of that damned meat sticking out of his mouth.” We both laughed at that. “Honestly my friend after this latest invasion of hostility I needed to come here, like Will, to get away from the insanity of the capital. I brought my family so they might see what is possible between humans and not political beasts.” He sounded as tired as he looked.

“I have a question Howser, Do any of you people have anything at all resembling common clothing? Have your ladies ever even tried wearing trousers?” He looked at me and then shook his head. I smiled at him. “Then maybe it’s time all of you stopped being nobles and tried being humans for a few days, it worked wonders for Will.” He looked a little stunned and then a smile crept onto his face. “You mean teach them a little humility?” I shook my head. “No, I mean give them a little freedom. That little piece of metal on a nobles head can be heavier than the longest prisoner’s chains. Maybe for a little while they, and you, can shed that bondage and just breathe for a bit.” He seemed to think about it and smiled a little more. “All we can do is try I guess.”

We jumped up and headed to meet the ladies on their walk. As we came up I walked up to Bethany, wrapped my arms around her waist, and swirled her around in the air just to hear her laugh. I set her down and she leaned on me giggling. Then she slapped my chest and stood back. “My husband, doing something like that in front of our guests?” She said, but her eyes were happy and her cheeks were blushing. “That is the very problem Howser and I were discussing but a moment ago.” I looked at the two women who seemed to a little shy at the moment. “These two lovely ladies, as well as the good Baronet, need to stop being guests and start being a part of this family, even for a short time. A small vacation from being nobility.”

Bethany looked at me, then her mouth fell open and her eyes lit up as she understood. “You would do that for them my husband?” I nodded and the two women looked even more curious. “How about you take them to the store, and give them the best clothing we have for their stay, and then come back to the hold.” I thought for a few moments. “Do the same for their maids as well. We can build up some picnic baskets and head up to the lake first, the water should be quite warm by now.”

Bethany had a wide smile and looked at the two ladies. “Delain, Irene, this may start as a bit of a strain for the two of you, but my husband has offered to allow you a short vacation from being a noble. As Delian knows I was once deep within the palace and everything it means to be a noble. Even at the worst of times, living here has been better than the rest of all of that. My husband is offering you both a freedom few nobles can ever have. Will you accept this precious gift?” They both seemed confused and looked to Howser. “My ladies, this is an offer I can understand and would like for all of us to accept. I won’t force you, but I would like you to at least try it for a day or two.” They looked at each other, and then to Bethany. “We are in your care Lady Bethany.” They said but my wife walked over and took their hands in hers. “No Delain, I am no lady, I am your friend.” She looked at the other woman. “The same goes for you Irene, we are not ladies but friends.”

The three of them walked hand in hand over to my store and we followed. The women of the town, when they feel like having some “girl time” had been turning the debt they owed for goods into clothing we could sell in the store. It ranged from cheap to pretty damn nice stuff and we had built up a stock of various sizes as well. Bethany took her new friends into a private section only for women, and Howser and I headed for the men’s. After stripping him down to his undies we built him back up with a new wardrobe. A few nice tunics, some nice trousers, and a good set of lined boots rounded him out. When we got out we just headed to the hold and walked in. Jessa was bouncing Courtney on her hip and smiled as she saw me. I walked over, gave her a soft kiss and took my daughter up for a few belly kisses. We parked ourselves at the side table there and Jessa brought over some cold tea.

Where we sat you could hear the little kids being little kids and the mothers all chatting. Howser looked at me and shook his head. “This is a strange thing, I really do feel lighter. In all my life I don’t think I have ever heard anything as sweet as children laughing.” He looked at me holding my daughter and the way she cuddled me and pulled at my face and hair. “So that is what being a father is like?” I shook my head. “No this is what being a father can be. The men of this town are learning and finding it far more worthwhile in raising a family. Like a farmer needs to know his crops, a father needs to know his family. When a crop is wilting a farmer knows what to look for and do, a father needs to do his best to know the same things about his children.”

We went into the playroom with everyone else and I introduced Howser as a friend of mine who as visiting us with his two wives. The ladies all smiled at him and then went back to being mothers and friends. Courtney wiggled and then toddled off to play with the others. “So this is what your life is like? Being surrounded by people who just look at you as you?” I thought about how to reply. “These women look at me to protect them, support them, and care for them. I ask nothing in return, but take whatever they offer.” Catlin came in looking for me and walked over. I reached out and took her hand and kissed our small ring. She leaned down and kissed the top of my head. “I thought you were going to be babysitting all day my husband.” I chuckled. “Nope, I’m just going to be relaxing with my friend Howser while he is visiting.” She looked at him and then realized she had said that in front of said noble.

“Your grace I...” He laughed and all the littles looked at him. “No, just call me Howser as your husband does please.” He looked at her confusion. “He told me that I and my two wives needed to be humans rather than nobles for a few days if I wanted to keep my sanity so here I am.” Catlin relaxed and smiled. “Well if you want to really be human, head up to the lake with a change of clothes and go swimming with your family. Since we built it the whole town works harder to get their duties done so they can spend the day there.” I thought for a second. “Could you call Jessa in here please?” She smiled and ran off. When Jessa came in I told her about my plans and she told me not to worry.

A while later, a little after noon, Bethany came in with two rather lovely ladies who I almost didn’t recognize. “Sir, we were wondering if we could head to the lake for a swim. I even picked out some of the new swimming clothes for us all to wear.” I chuckled and told them a picnic lunch has already been arranged by Jessa. Courtney came running over when she heard her mother’s voice and Bethany picked her up and smothered her with kisses. There was a bit of longing in both of our guests eyes at the site and I wondered if that might be one of the problems. I turned my head to see Howser had seen it too. I guess being a loving person was all part of being human.

Cait came in and wandered over to me. She gave me a hug and kiss and then just leaned on me for a bit. “So what are you up to my love?” I asked and she told me about heading over to the lumber mill to see about the new paper mill. I told her I was thinking about feeding the flax into a new mill that was kind of like the grist mill. She shrugged and said she could talk to the others about it later. She gave me a kiss on the lips, and then took off after giving Bethany a hug as well.

“Mikael, do people just do as they wish around here?” I shook my head. “No, they do as is needed just like everyone else. If new trees have been brought in, and you are not busy, you head over to the mill. If you see a wagon of fire wood that needs seasoning, and you aren’t already busy, you head off and help with that. The older kids right now are off playing, while also weeding the different plots of grain that need weeding. “When you see a need, fill that need” is what we live by.”

When we passed by the visitors quarters one of the ladies maids came out a bit flustered. “Lady Delain, are we actually going through with all of this?” she seemed almost scandalized. “Delain looked at her and arched her eyebrow. “Your lord has stated this will be the case until he says otherwise. If this is impossible for you, I can have you taken back to the capital to find other employment.” The woman turned white, bowed her head and then skittered back inside. Once the woman was gone Delain actually shivered and then got back her new smile. Howser and I carried the large basket of food and drink between us and the women were chatting and even giggling with each other as we walked along the road to the lake.

There were quite a few people up at the lake and they were enjoying a few improvements Catlin had made. A wood doc had been built a few inches above the water so people could just sit and splash their legs. There were small buildings raised so people could change in private, and a large privy with a new flush system fed by the flow from the lake. There were also quite a few tables and benches placed under stone pavilions for gatherings as well, which is where we set up our little picnic. A group of three water nymphs saw us and came running over dripping wet. They all slammed into me and cried out “husband”. After a few more kisses they told me there were loving the new lake and how much everyone was talking about the fun they were having here. They all got yet another kiss, and then went back to their fun.

I had notice the ladies all had their heads together during the walk and now. Bethany was going over what they saw, and felt while being human. Then something new happened and I did my best to act as if it was nothing. Irene walked over to Howser, and while blushing up a storm gave him a hug. As a wise man he turned towards her and held her tight. “I do love you Irene, and I am so sorry you haven’t known that from me until now.” She looked at him with tears and he looked around for some answer. “Hey Howser, just take up one of the changing rooms and take care of your wife.” I said quietly. He guided her away while holding her up. Delain was looking around as if worried, but noticed that people saw but didn’t see. No judgement was passed other than seeing a husband loving his wife.

“Husband, please join us?” Bethany asked and I plopped down with her and Delain to sip tea. “Delain is wondering about the women who keep coming over to love on you.” She said with a bit of a smile. “I take it Howser hasn’t told you all that much about my family?” Delain shook her head. “He just told us that you were a friend and your town would be a nice place to get away for a few days.” I shook my head and then gave her the story of me and my wives. A few times Bethany spoke up or filled in some details I missed, but in the end she was told the full story. She looked a little befuddled at all of it. “So you take these women as...” I shook my head. “I will be honest, they take me as their husband. If they can work their way through all my other wives judgment process, then they deserve to be my wife.” I said with a bit of respect in my voice.

I took Bethany’s hand in mine and looked at her. “My first love, my first wife, Bethany has been my partner and my guide. While I am off running around solving problems and supporting the town, she is the one running the family and supporting my wives. When one of them needs me, she sends them to me to share my heart with. She knows their happiness is first in my heart over anyone or anything else in this world. I would be overwhelmed trying to do what I need to do for the town, and trying to guess who needs what from me as a husband. She is more than my wife she is my partner in life.” Bethany then shoved at me with a frown. “My beloved husband, don’t be an ass.” Delain gasped at her words. “Jessa is an absolute angel and my right hand. Since she came here the heart of this family is beating stronger every day. I may manage the day to day, but the real pulse of the family is through her heart.”

Delain seemed very thoughtful and looked towards the building where Irene was. “So Jessa was your second wife?” Bethany stepped in. “She is his second legal wife, but has only been with us less than a year now. In that time she makes it feel as if she has always been a part of the family. She is the youngest sister of two of our fellow wives, and the youngest daughter of Jin the glass smith.” Delain then looked a little embarrassed but lifted her chin. “How do you do it Bethany? How can you not feel jealous at all the women who come to him?” She seemed desperate in her tone. “I guess it is because of the way my husband treats me. I know that when he is with another of his wives his heart is theirs, but I also know it is mine as well. We don’t make it into a completion, so we never feel left out. Love is not a contest, it is a shelter and a shield. My fellow wives are my compatriots who have dedicated themselves to the man I love. They see me as their leader, but also as a fellow wife. They can cry on me, and I can cry on them. We are each other’s strength and each other’s weakness. Like my husband always says, we all love each other as we love ourselves.”

The whole talk I could see Delain desperately trying to grasp what we were saying, but that last part slammed into her heart like a bull. “To love each other as we love ourselves.” She muttered. Bethany ran around the table just as Delain seemed to fall to the side. She held her just as Delain started to cry. Bethany looked at me and I pointed to another of the changing rooms. She took the woman there and I ended up sitting alone for about one minute before my trio of lovelies came over with worry. “Is everything ok Mikael?” they asked and I nodded. “My friends live in the capital so their lives are actually much harsher than ours in many ways. They came here to find their center as a family and as you all know that can be a painful process.” They all nodded and reached out to each other.

When Howser came out Irene was red eyed and looking very soft. He was holding her in his arms and had a very soft look on his face. He noticed Delain was missing and looked around as they sat down next to each other. “Where is Bethany and Delain?” he asked and I smiled at him. “They went to have a nice talk with each other. Don’t be worried.” I said as I looked at a young woman just leaning on her husband. My nymphs left us alone and we just enjoyed the breeze off the lake.

Eventually Bethany and Delain came walking out and Irene quickly gave distance between her and Howser. Delain walked over and asked Irene to follow her. They went onto the room she had just vacated and shut the door. Bethany tapped Howser on the hand and got his attention back. “Howser, you have a chance to have in your home the kind of love and support my husband does, but it all hinges on you. You have to be as strong and as caring as my husband is. Respect Delain, but love her and Irene as equals. If you can do this no man can ever come between you and your wives.” She gave a little smirk. “Also get a bigger bed damn it, one that can easily fit three people. If they need to be alone with you for some reason then let them decide who sleeps with you. Otherwise let them both sleep with you so they can feel your arms around them and can hold you when they want to. The capital is a formal place, but make your bedroom someplace you can be a family. Keep the nobility out of that part of your lives at least.”

When the two women emerged Howser was shocked to see his wives both blushing and holding hands. He got up quickly, ran over to them and they all embraced with love. I leaned over and asked Bethany “So why do you think they are blushing?” She pinched me under the table and said quietly “Well a wife has to do something while her husband is otherwise occupied.” After that we all changed into “swimming clothes” and had fun in the water together. When we got back to town Howser talked to one of his guards and the man ran off, and later rode out of town at a good pace. I looked to him and he told me he was following my advice and left it at that.

When we went inside the visitors quarters only a few of my family were there to serve. I asked and the ladies smiled at me. “Oh, Jessa came over and took all the others away. I think she is giving them a tour of the town.” This allowed everyone to just relax after all that play. Cold tea was served and we all thanked my wives for their kindness. Bethany, and my wives in the room, all sat down and talked about life in general. For some reason I couldn’t help but get up and give each one a little kiss on the tops of their heads which had them smile up at me. Bethany looked on and smiled. “See ladies, my husband has absolutely no restraint at all. Even in front of company, or even in public, he does things like this. He is utterly without common restraint.” They all laughed and I shrugged with a happy face. “How can any man restrain himself when he has such incredible women in his life?” Bethany laughed and I saw Howser kiss the hands of each of his wives which actually caused them to blush furiously.

For a few days the baronet and his ladies stopped existing, and in their place were Howser and his wives. A rider came to talk to Howser but all that came from it was smiles so I didn’t ask. Then, just before they left I asked my friend if he and I could put our formal suits on again. We were in my smithy and he agreed. We sat down and I asked him how the barony was doing, and I meant that as seriously as possible. “There is some political infighting going on but that was normal. A few were upset that I was given sole control over the salt mine as that kind of thing is somewhat powerful, but mostly a real money maker. The bandits were under control, and the military faction is hogging all the glory created by Alaman pass. Is there something you are worried about?” I shook my head. “No, it’s just good to know which way the winds are blowing in my position. I think I need to let you know, and just you, that if you need help of any kind to let me know immediately. I am not without some resources after all.”