Page 9 of Quest of Fools

Marian positively beamed at him for that."I think that's the most beautiful compliment I've ever received."He started to say more, but a rap at the open door drew their attention.

Sketching a slight bow, the maid standing in the doorway said, "Breakfast is ready, milords.Nurse is bringing the children down."

"Thank you, Nava," Marian replied, and let go of Warf as she departed, slowly standing."Shall we to breakfast, then?The girls will be delighted to have you with us today."

Warf smiled as he rose."Anything to avoid another lecture."

When they reached the dining room, the girls had not yet arrived.Two places were set, for Kalla and Rosi, with special lifts in the chairs so they could sit at the proper height instead of craning over the edge of the table.There were also special dishes for them, so they wouldn't have to deal with heavy porcelain that could easily break, awkward silverware too big for their little hands, even cups with secured lids.

Marian and his staff really had thought of everything.

Before Warf could thank him, Kalla came barreling in with Pika at her heels, barely stopping properly before clambering into their seats.Following behind them more sedately was Zoen, with Rosi at her hip."Good morning, my lords.The children slept well, woke up with little fuss, and are quite excited to begin lessons today, aren't you?"

"We're going to learn our letters!"Kalla said."Can you believe it, Daddy?"

"I'm very happy," Warf said."Knowing your letters will take you far in life.You'll be able to do anything.I see you have more lovely dresses."

That set them to babbling exactly as he'd known it would, and pretty soon they were talking instead to each other and Zoen, who sat next to them to feed Rosi.

Strange, very strange, not to be doing everything himself.Normally he woke them up before he had to go to work, got them fed and dressed, ensured the boy across the street could watch them like usual, and then hurried off to work before the best jobs got taken.

Yet another part of his own life where he was no longer needed.The children seemed happy, though, and that was really all that mattered.There was time enough to sort out what to do with himself.

"How are you doing with your speech?"he asked Marian.

"I think I've got it smoothed out.Would you like to listen to it later, tell me what you think?I could use a fresh pair of ears."

"Not sure what help I can be, but I'm happy to try."He probably wouldn't understand half the words, but he wasn't going to get better at this new life he'd fought so hard for if he didn't try.Who would have thought the tournament would be the easy part?

Marian clapped his hands together."Splendid!I—"

"Pardon, Lord Marian."

Marian's smile faded away as he stared at the footman who'd interrupted them."What's wrong?"

"Her Ladyship is here and demands to speak with you."

"Tell Her Ladyship to leave, and if she doesn't go, summon Hix and Werrow and remove her forcefully.If that doesn't work, summon the city guards.She is not welcome here, and she damn well knows it."

"Yes, my lord."The footman bowed and faded off.

Warf's brows rose."Do you want me to remove them?ThatI can certainly do.Barkeeps would pay me in beer or coin to deal with troublesome customers whenever I was around."

"No, I do not want you anywhere near that woman," Marian said."I fear she is a mistake that will haunt me the rest of my life.I—"

Crashing and banging came from the hallway, along with a cry of pain and more voices cursing and swearing, and Marian looked for a moment like he was going to cry before the anguish was replaced by anger."Excuse me, please."He threw his napkin next to his plate, pushed away from the table, and stormed from the room.

"Ms.Zoen, would you take the children upstairs, please?"Warf asked."I'm sure someone here won't mind bringing their food up for them to finish."

"Of course, my lord.I'll take care of everything."

"Thank you."

Warf pushed away from the table and followed Marian out of the room.

In the hallway, one footman lay propped against the wall, his head bleeding rather severely.Another footman and a maid were tending him, while another maid was standing nearby waiting to clean up the mess, which had come from someone destroying the large porcelain vases on either side of the main door.To judge by the statue on the floor that had once been on the table close to the door, someone had lobbed it at the vases in turn.

The culprit seemed to be the woman clutching her right cheek as she alternated between sobbing hysterically and screaming angrily at Marian, her free hand moving in quick, harsh punctuation.

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