§ 0 ~ Novation
They've always called me by the name of Quillion, as far back as I can remember, so I assume that's the name I was born with. You see, I was raised in the local orphanage in the Duchy of Jasper.
There are no children growing up on the streets here in the City of Jasper. Duke Grethley doesn't allow it, and ensures the orphanage has enough resources to care for every child who ends up under its roof.
Not that there aren't rich folks and poor folks. There are lots of each and more in between, but the Duke has a good heart, or so I was always told. His philosophy is that everyone has something to give, so we're also taught our letters and numbers there too.
Three years ago, at the age of fifteen, I caught the eye of a government official when I was running an errand on behalf of the administrator for the orphanage. He commended me on my manners and bearing, and was particularly impressed with my sharp mind when it came to numbers. Seeing great potential in me, he offered me a position in his own household working alongside his chamberlain.
But that position ended a couple months ago when he moved away. He was a conscientious master, so prior to his departure, he secured for me a position in the castle serving Duke Grethley.
However, the Duke decided just last week to assign me as a servant to his wife, since she would soon be traveling to each of the duchies within the kingdom. So now, at eighteen years old, I'm a Page for Duchess Teritha, about to go on a long journey. Naturally, I am beyond excited to see the outside world.
I suppose I should mention a little bit about her, since she's kind of important to my life story.
Duchess Teritha is a kind lady, quite regal, quite beautiful and quite young considering the age of her husband. The Duke was previously married and his first wife bore him three sons. Sadly, the woman died seven years ago during a riding accident.
Less than two years later, the Duke, only forty-five years old at the time, decided to remarry. Being a wealthy land-owner, families offered up their daughters like livestock for the slaughter. He quite literally had his pick of the litter, choosing Teritha, who was just pust her eighteenth birthday at the time.
During the first few months of their marriage, he practically doted on her, but when the thrill of having a new, young wife wore off, plus the fact that he already had three male heirs in line for succession, he lost interest in her as a husband to a wife, preferring the thrill of kingdom building instead.
I've secretly questioned his sanity since meeting Teritha, now twenty-three. A ravenous beauty with dark hair, occasionally sprinkled with gemstones, along with her preference for clothing accented in blue to set off her greyish blue eyes, and her spectacular bosom which she has no reservations about showing off, though subtly, leaves me convinced she may be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
But, despite his lack of interest in her physically, he recognized her sharp mind and effective charisma, so he tasked her with hosting guests and gathering information to bolster his social and political ambitions, until recently that is.
The current political situation among the various duchies demanded an emissary. Teritha was perfect for the task, so off she goes. Along for the journey will be several men-at-arms, two horses pulling the Duchess' carriage, two horses pulling a second carriage, Norgin her Chamberlain, Lisbeth and Micaelah, her maids-in-waiting, and me.
I can't wait to see what adventure is out there for me to find.
§ 1 ~ Anticipation
Waiting patiently for the door to open, I try not to stare at Lisbeth. At nineteen, she's cute in a plain sort of way, certainly no beauty. Her five foot four inch frame is average, as are her grey eyes and black hair, but her bosom is exceptional. She hasn't said much to me since my assignment with the Duchess, speaking to me only when necessary, but she's probably just being proper, focusing on her duties.
Today is Micaelah's turn to assist the Duchess with her bathing and dressing, so Lisbeth is busying herself with the final packing for the trip.
Smiling at her politely, I pretend to examine the tapestries while stealing glances her way.
Finally, the bedchamber door opens. I stand up quickly, trying to put on my best appearance. The Duchess glides in, clad in practical travel attire, albeit, very fancy travel attire. It accentuates her figure nicely.
"Are we packed yet Lisbeth?"
"Almost, m'lady. Just a few more items."
"Good, good. Thank you for keeping track of everything. You've always done a good job of that."
"Thank you m'lady. It's an honor to have the opportunity to serve you."
"Oh, nonsense. I know at least ten others that would be thrilled to have you as their maid-in-waiting. Just let me know if you receive a better offer. I'll gladly match it."
"M'lady is most generous," Lisbeth replies respectfully.
"More nonsense," the Duchess counters. "It's easy to be generous with someone else's money. If you tell anyone I said that, I'll have you flogged."
"Of course m'lady, and I would deserve every lash," Lisbeth says, smiling.
"Of course you would. Now where's Micaelah?"
"Right here m'lady," she says, entering the room.
I heard through the grapevine that Micaelah is already twenty. She's much prettier than Lisbeth, but petite. Very petite. Just under five feet tall, her waif-like appearance makes her look much younger, and I wonder if she's really twenty, or if her parents lied to the Duchess simply to get their daughter the position. She has barely any bosom to speak of, but she has pretty hazel eyes, long, wavy red hair, and is unreservedly friendly, having spoken to me many times. She's even giggled once or twice when no one was around to hear.
"Wonderful. Now, where's... Oh, there you are Quillion. Did you deliver my message to the Duke?"
"Yes m'lady, er... no m'lady," I stammer.
"Well? Which is it?" she asks.
"I mean, m'lady, that I delivered your message to the Duke's chamberlain. The Duke was in counsel with the master-at-arms and couldn't be disturbed."
"Very good Quillion. Thank you for clarifying and for being thorough. I'll know who to blame then if my message doesn't reach the Duke."
"M'lady?" My look of panic causes the Duchess to produce a small laugh.
"Don't worry Quillion. I didn't mean you. I meant that oaf, the Duke's chamberlain. He's too uppity and may decide to burn the note instead of giving it to the Duke. I'm not sure what goes through his head sometimes, but I don't think he likes that I infiltrated his precious turf."
"Yes m'lady," I say agreeably.
"If you tell anyone I said that, I'll have you flogged."
"Yes m'lady."
"Very good then. Let's load up the carriage and be on our way. We mustn't keep the kingdom waiting."
