The Unreached Duchy

Chapter 14

“It’s not trouble sir. I will make you one simple saddle made for riding a Leontophone and sized for a Kabouter ready for you by first light.” The simple reply was given as the saddler wrote the measurements down on his scroll.

“As long as it’s not too much trouble for you.” Derketo said cautiously, making sure to leave the copper pieces on the work bench in plain sight. “I will be back to see you tomorrow morning before we take our leave.”

“Until tomorrow morning Mister Royal Scribe,” the saddler said as he turned to his work looking at the different types of leather hanging from the racks on the wall.

Walking out of the stables with Ade beside him and a new spring in his step, Derketo could not help but feel like he had accomplished something. He had made his first purchase in Makara; not only that, but it was his first purchase as a Kabouter.

Wondering what else he could accomplish before the shops closed at sundown, Derketo climbed onto Ade’s back and decided to head back towards the Temple in hopes of being able to sleep there for the evening. Along the way Derketo and Ade came upon the MerWay, the waterways throughout the interior of the island used by the merfolk for travel inland. It went directly to the Temple and branched off in different directions from the Temple.

“Derketo. How have you enjoyed your new life as a Kabouter thus far?” called Senara from the MerWay.

Looking around slightly confused before Derketo spotted Senara in the MerWay and made his way over to the bank, “Senara. How are you doing this evening? I’m enjoying being a Kabouter very much. I even just went and purchased a saddle from the local stable.”

“That sounds like you have had a productive today at the festival. When will your saddle be ready? We can only delay our departure for Thargelion by a day or two, but no more than that.” Senara said as she came closer to the MerWay bank.

“The stable master told me that it would be ready by first light in the morning before we leave. He was actually quite insistent on the matter since I’m the new Royal Scribe. I’m not sure how I feel about having such attention so soon after being officially appointed to my position.” Derketo confessed.

Senara only chuckled and smiled, “Things are different in Makara compared to the mainland duchies. Honesty is very high on the importance list.”

“Yes, Namtao did say something to the same effect earlier around the time when we arrived for the Alaiceaus Ceremony.” Derketo gave as the simple response. “I was just on my way to find shelter for the night. I thought heading back in the direction of the Temple to see if Ade and I could stay there for the night.”

Senara looked thoughtfully at the friend floating beside her in the MerWay before looking back at Derketo. “Staying in the after a Transformation Ceremony is usually not allowed, even for people appointed to the Royal Court in other cities.”

“Oh. Gratitude for telling me. I will find somewhere else to stay for the night then.” Derketo said trying to hide the surprise in his voice, “Also gratitude for allowing us to remain here for the evening. I appreciate being able to experience the rest of the festivities.” Derketo started to feel slightly embarrassed.

“No need for gratitude Derketo. It was my pleasure. I have not had the pleasure of working with someone as eager as yourself to assimilate into Makaran society.” Senara stated from her spot in the MerWay and had a thoughtful look come across her face. “Derketo, there is a small inn not far from the stables that you bought your saddle from. They usually cater to Kabouters since that part of town is where most of the Kabouter citizens live in Maimakterion.”

A surprised look came upon Derketo’s face, “Much gratitude Senara. I will certainly go see if there is any rooms available for the evening still.” Derketo turned Ade to return in the direction they had just traveled. “I hope you have a lovely evening Senara. I will see you tomorrow morning. Where should I meet you at?”

“I will meet you at the Temple tomorrow morning. I hope you also have a wonderful evening Derketo.” Senara replied with a slight bow of her head.

D erketo gave Senara a slight bow of his own head in response before he started off down the pathway towards the stables to investigate the inn Senara suggested.

It was a quaint little place, actually located adjacent to the stables. If Derketo had not been looking for a Kabouter size doorway, he never would have noticed it otherwise.

Derketo realized why as soon as he walked in the door with Ade and was not at all surprised. The Kabouter Inn extended along the side of the stable wall on the same side that the leather was hanging.

When he first walked into the inn door, Derketo was in what appeared to be a parlor type of room that was clearly the inn’s lobby judging by the desk on the far end of the room.