Chapter 31

  Flags fluttered bearing the sigil of Faymoren as the small envoy of two carriages made way. Regal guards on horseback upheld the standards in a square formation, flaunting their affiliations.

  Hektor sat in the lead carriage, tense and fretting. While he understood the reason for parading his visit, the fanfare made him uncomfortable. As did the slow speed and the circuitous route that allowed the very curious of onlookers to follow along. Not at all helped by the second carriage distributing coins, toffees and ribbons behind for the followers to collect.

  Hektor tried to take his mind off the pageantry, not even looking at the crowd behind.

  “Any last minute advice?” Hektor asked the only other passenger besides him.

  Gideon kept his gaze trained at the window, surveying for threats. After making sure that he could afford to look away, he turned and faced Hektor.

  “Do not doubt yourself,” Gideon advised. “You are ready. I would only remind you to be careful.”

  “Thank you.”

  Gideon hesitated to add, “Try to nip any misunderstandings that you can. An extra sentence or two could make all the difference.”

  Hektor ruminated and nodded gravely.

  The boy and his protector had come a long way in the past few days. While they hadn’t managed a companionable friendship, they were well on their way to fostering respect and trust towards one another. Hektor's biggest success so far had been in persuading Gideon to call him by his first name, though Gideon had only agreed to do so in private company.

  All too soon, the carriages arrived at the gates. Forewarned of the arrival, the residential guards immediately allowed them through after a brief inspection. It was as far as the trailing crowd was allowed though. No doubt the rumor mill was already spinning in full flow.

  Just as planned.

  The carriages traveled down the thoroughfare, quickly coming up to the manor. More than a decade ago, the estate was owned by a Pickford family. Ensuing a change of ownership and now it was the Croft Manor in Faymoren.

  The carriages stopped front and center of the main entrance. The footman opened the door and Gideon exited first. After making a customary check, he nodded for Hektor to follow.

  Hektor disembarked to find a row of servants having lined on either side of the stairs leading up to the entrance with a smartly dressed butler at the front waiting on them. Hektor straightened his cuffs and took a gander about the place. Once he made sure that his people were ready, he took a step forward.

  Just as he did, the butler came closer and greeted, “Welcome to Croft Manor, Young Master Hektor. I am the Head Butler Smithers. Please, the Crofts await your pleasure,” he bowed and swept his hand in invitation towards the manor.

  Hektor straightened his shoulders and returned a shallow nod. “Well met, Mister Smithers. I would be delighted, but before that, the Duchess has sent gifts for the Croft family,” Hektor gestured to the second carriage. “Please see to aiding my men in their presentation.”

  “It will be done, Young Master,” Smithers acquiesced, already indicating to a few attendants to help with the unloading.

  “And these,” Hektor interjected as a man from his retinue stepped forth with three giftwrapped packages, “are my personal gifts. Please take them along as you introduce us.”

  A maid stepped forward to accept the packages and left quickly to deliver them.

  Smithers gave Gideon an inquiring glance.

  “This is Sir Gideon,” Hektor introduced. “He is my guardian.”

  Smithers performed a half bow for Gideon. “If you would follow me, gentlemen.”

  Following the butler’s lead, Hektor and Gideon entered the manor. Hektor tried his best to pay attention to the surroundings, but he was distracted by the upcoming introductions. He kept reviewing his strategy and went over what he planned to say.

  Gideon picked up Hektor’s slack. Little escaped his vigilance. While he didn’t spy any threats, his concealed crystal bracelets were armed with spells for immediate action.

  One thing that Gideon couldn’t overlook, was the very odd taste in decorations. While he had heard of Eleanor Croft’s peculiar tastes, witnessing it in person was an experience.

  Gideon eyed an entire vacant wall painted in leopard print for no reason that he could discern. Then there were the numerous statues that littered the hallways and corridors. The metal and marble sculptures were carelessly placed in the middle of pathways and between doors, becoming hazards more than anything else.

  Gideon was no expert, but very little in the Croft Manor seemed to match or go well together. The house appeared more an eclectic horde rather than a home cared for.

  Hektor would occasionally observe a few things, but Gideon could see that the boy was bracing for the looming encounter.

  Smithers arrived at a wide set of doors with two guards stationed on either side. He knocked lightly and opened the door ajar to announce in a ringing voice, “Young Master Hektor and his guardian, Sir Gideon.”

  He opened the door fully and Hektor got his first look at the Crofts who were picturesquely positioned in a wide parlor room with bay windows taking up the far walls.

  Hektor first clocked Samuel Croft, standing by his wife with a drink in hand. The robust man had the most magnificent mustache, clean, oiled and twirled to perfection. It was the same bronze as his hair that had been parted meticulously down the middle. He wore a grey three piece suit with a bow tie, the very picture of a seasoned and successful entrepreneur.

  Seated by his side was Eleanor Croft. Her reputation didn’t disappoint as she was dressed in a glittering teal dress and decked in face paint. She was a walking cabinet of jewelry with gem encrusted hair clips, dangling pearl earrings, studded necklaces, clinking bangles, shimmering bracelets and stone set rings.

  Hektor had a hard time imagining what she would look like without all the makeup and the stylish hairdo.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  But he couldn’t linger on the Croft couple because his eyes were drawn to her.

  Gwen Croft.

  Hektor could honestly admit that she was amongst the most beautiful women he had seen.

  Her most arresting feature was her hair, wine red and lush with its smooth luster, like liquid silk. Even her eyebrows were the same, sat above glimmering green eyes the color of spring grass that seemed to glow when the light caressed her face just right.

  Snow pale skin with sharp cheeks and luscious lips that ensnared the eyes. Even seated as she was, Hektor could tell that she was tall and slim, perhaps even taller than him. She wore a full sleeved yellow gown that cinched beneath her bust and flowed in a frock of tresses. It was a simple dress, but her contours made it look sinfully divine.

  She wore no accessories, her figure the ultimate compliment to beauty without the need of embellishment.

  Hektor could have studied her for hours, but only spared her a few seconds to find her returning the favor.

  Knowing that he was here on a mission, Hektor folded his left hand behind his back while placing his right hand on his heart. He gave a shallow bow and stood at attention.

  “Well met, Mister Croft, Missus Croft and Miss Croft,” he began, inclining his head to each. “I am Hektor and thank you for having me. The Duchess sends her regards, and we both are most glad that you are here and give our heartiest welcome.”

  Samuel Croft moved forward and shook Hektor’s hand. “Well met, Hektor. We are most pleased with the welcome,” he uttered magnanimously.

  “I must apologize for intruding,” Hektor said with a smile towards Missus Croft. “You have arrived just yesterday, but it was prudent for me to pay my respects.”

  The unspoken message was clear. That Hektor was showing an adherence by his prompt visit, and that the Crofts should be just as eager to show their allegiance to the Duchess.

  “No need for apologies, Hektor,” spoke Elanor, already using a familiar tone with the boy. “We are glad for your company. Come sit with us,” she invited.

  “In but a moment. This is Sir Eric Gideon, my guardian and chauffeur. I would request that he be allowed to remain as a guest.”

  Hektor could tell that the request was not well received, but Samuel Croft allowed it.

  “If that is your desire, Sir Gideon can remain. Please, make yourself comfortable,” Samuel conveyed to the protector.

  Hektor conveyed his thanks and Gideon silently moved to a corner of the room.

  “Now, before I forget, the Duchess has sent a few housewarming gifts. I believe your staff is tending to them as we speak,” Hektor looked to Mister Smithers who nodded to Samuel.

  “I too come bearing gifts,” spoke Hektor as he spotted his gifts placed on a tray nearby. He picked up the largest one and presented it to Missus Croft.

  “Missus Croft, I would be honored.”

  Eleanor smiled cheekily. “Enough with the formality. Call me Eleanor.”

  “Lady Eleanor, then,”

  “Shall I open it now?”

  “Please.”

  Eleanor wasted no time and savagely tore at the ribbon and wrapping like an impatient child. Unwrapped, it was revealed to be a jewelry box with intricate patterns carved onto it.

  Eleanor flipped it open and gasped.

  Both the other Crofts leaned in, interested.

  “Forgive me if I seem presumptuous,” Hektor offered in consolation, suddenly unsure, “but I could only choose my gifts by what I could learn of yourselves from others.”

  Eleanor tilted the case a little so that her family could see better. It was a simple jewelry box with about twenty sections, each containing a polished and cut gem, crystal or stone in a variety of designs. Curiously, paired alongside were thumb sized pieces of the same mineral in their natural and unrefined state with a label of their name.

  Eleanor looked confusedly to Hektor.

  Hektor worried that his gift might not have been well received. “I heard of your love for fashion and jewelry, Lady Elanor, and that you prefer making bold statements,” he explained hurriedly.

  “I commissioned these crystals, gems and stones that are often over looked and undervalued in the hope that they might inspire you to experiment and create something new and exciting,” he rambled slightly.

  Eleanor stared Hektor down, trying to discern his intentions. Seemingly making up her mind, she smiled. “Thank you, Hektor. That was very thoughtful of you.”

  Hektor remained unsure if Eleanor liked his gift, but he persevered on to the next.

  Under Hektor’s expectant gaze, Samuel smirked and unwrapped the present to find a plain white box. He opened it to find a series of coins held in place on a cushion. One gold, two silver and two bronze.

  An avid coin collector, he observed them with a keen interest, but quickly frowned in disappointment. Beyond being a century or so old and in good condition, they were very common pieces.

  He looked to Hektor to find the boy looking on with an eager expression. Samuel’s disappointment only seemed to egg him on.

  Samuel’s first thought was that the boy was having fun at their expense. He still couldn’t decide whether Eleanor’s gift was endearingly thoughtful or incredibly cheap. Before anger clouded his judgement, he looked to the boy for an explanation.

  Apparently sensing Samuel’s worsening mood, Hektor quickly explained, “They are Fiori forgeries .”

  Samuel’s eyes widened and he looked to the coins once more with a much greater appreciation. He whirled his handkerchief and held the coins out of the case using the cloth to grip them delicately and have a closer look.

  Eleanor called out to her husband, twice, and had to shake his arm to get him to listen. “Dear?”

  Samuel gruffly cleared his throat to hide his fascination. “The Fiori were a family of moneylenders a century or so ago,” he explained to his wife. “They were quite prominent, serving as bankers to kings and nations. However, it was discovered that the Fiori were melting down issued coinage and reforging them with cheaper alloys, pocketing bullions of gold and silver.”

  “What happened to them?” Eleanor inquired.

  “They managed to evade capture and escape, but had to abandon most of their wealth behind,” Samuel surmised, downplaying a great deal of the story. He turned to Hektor with an approving smile. “Such as these coins. They are a rare gift. Gratitude.”

  Hektor accepted the praise and moved to the smallest package, more confident than before in his choice.

  “I honestly couldn’t decide what to get you, Miss Croft,” he admitted. “You seem to be a woman who has everything. But I remember hearing about your red hair and green eyes and I thought this would suit you.”

  Gwen lazily opened her present to find a hair ornament. It was a thin bronze clip with five heart shaped leaves made of polished jade.

  Eleanor nosily peaked over Gwen’s shoulder. “Oh, that’s lovely! Here, let me put it on you.”

  Without waiting for permission, Eleanor plucked the hair pin out of the box and expertly fastened it in Gwen’s hair.

  Everyone appraised Gwen, who sat pouting at her mother. “It looks pretty,” Hektor complimented.

  Eleanor quickly produced a mirror and Gwen had to agree that it was a charming addition. Like she had walked through am orchard and had a few leaves adorn her hair. Stylishly, of course

  Deeming it an adequate offering, she offered a, “Thank you.”

  Hektor beamed at her. “You’re welcome.”

  Gwen realized that it was the first time she had spoken to him.

  “Come, sit,” Eleanor dragged Hektor beside her. Whilst she did, Samuel motioned Smithers over and whispered something to him. The butler nodded and disappeared to carry out his instructions.

  Eleanor monopolized Hektor, making small talk and asking him a constant stream of questions about his person; his day to day, his hobbies, friends, favorite subjects and such.

  Hektor knew that he was being interrogated, but saw nothing wrong with Eleanor taking his measure as her future son in law. He patiently answered her inquiries, thankful that Eleanor stayed away from sensitive topics like his magic and avoided talking about his family beyond Sabina. He appreciated her tact.

  Samuel and Gwen listened intently, only to be interrupted when Smithers returned to present a small package to Gwen.

  Gwen slid the box over, flipping it open and presenting it to Hektor. “Our gift to you.”

  Though she remained courteous, Hektor had a sneaking suspicion that Gwen wasn’t best pleased with him.

  Regardless, Hektor accepted the offering with grace and was pleasantly surprised to find an elegant wristwatch in a silver casing with a beautiful bezel and leather straps.

  “Thank you,” Hektor repeated, fastening the watch on his wrist. “I wanted one for the longest time, but I already had the pocket watch mama gave me so couldn’t justify the need for it,” he gushed.

  Behind Hektor’s back, Eleanor shot Gwen a scolding look.

  Gwen mustered a smile and spoke in honeyed tones, “I'm glad you like it.”

  Hektor was enamored with his newest possession to pay Gwen much heed, peaking closely at the watch to observe the fine craftsmanship.

  “Gwen, dear, why don’t you take Hektor for a stroll in the garden? Show him the house?” Eleanor suggested.

  Hektor welcomed the chance to divide the Crofts from ganging up on him. “I would be delighted, Miss Croft.” He arose, waiting at her leisure.

  Mother and daughter exchanged a look as Gwen stood up, eschewing Hektor’s arm.

  “Lets.”