Chapter Six, Finally Finished
I really hated writing this chapter. I don't think it's dreadful, just not very interesting. I'd be especially interested in seeing what people thought of this one, as I expect it's going to be heavily edited in time.
After that day, life settled down into a routine. Each morning after breakfast Tobin would head down to the city to spend the day studying with his tutor, then most of the evening reading. If Milo had had any doubts about his brother's dedication to his goal, these were quickly dispelled. Of course, this left Milo at a loss for what to do with himself.
After a few days of feeling awkward and somewhat lost, he started joining Felicity when she went out to visit her friends. After a while he found himself becoming accepted and soon the invitations were offered to him in his own right.
Being let into this group of young, affluent adults who had grown up in the city was a strange and somewhat nerve-wracking experience. The feeling of being slightly shabby that he had first experienced at the party re-emerged and he was deeply conscious of his accent. While everyone on the surface seemed welcoming and friendly, he could not shake the feeling that he was being tested at times.
If he ever failed a test, no one ever mentioned it and as time passed he found his concerns faded away. He found that he was glad Tobin was occupied with study; partly because he suspected his brother would not respond well to the idea of being tested and partly because it meant that these friends were Milo's alone. It felt strange to have something that he did not share with Tobin, but at same time it felt satisfying. Their lives starting to diverge felt like a sign that they were growing up and Milo took pleasure in this.
While the weather held out there was hunting and shooting in the woods behind the estate. It only lasted for around another month before turning nasty, however. First there were storms that shook the windows of the house with violent wind and driving rain. Then, after the rain finished it got cold and then then the snow came, piling thick and heavy over the city.
The dramatic change in weather trapped them in the house for for a few days, and the dark skies threatened further falls. The streets were cleared, but the snow fall had been heavier around the city and it looked likely that their plans to return home would be cancelled. Milo felt sorry for his father, alone for the first time during a holiday, but at the same time he looking forward to experiencing the festivities in the city.
The snow did not hamper the city's plans for the forthcoming celebrations. Soon the streets were hung with garlands of dark, evergreen foliage, decorated with brass bells and flowers, and intertwined with white and gold ribbons. Wreaths appeared on almost every door and in the big shops the window displays changed to stories of the creation.
About a week before the big day Milo knocked on his brother's door. The latest batch of snow had finished yesterday and today was clear and bright, if bitterly cold. Tobin was sat by the fire in his room, making notes.
"No lessons today?"
Tobin shook his head. "No, we're taking a break for the holiday. My tutor says it's important to rest the mind as well as the body."
"You don't seem to be doing a very good job of resting you mind," Milo pointed out. "The lake has frozen over, so Felicity and I are are going to go skating. Do you want to come with us? I'm sure we can find another spare pair of skates."
"No thank you. The idea of strapping thin pieces of metal to my feet and venturing out onto a body of frozen water doesn't really appeal to me."
"Come on, you can't stay in here all day. At least come down to the city with us. You'll go mad just shut inside all the time."
Tobin sighed and closed up the notebook. "All right, you win. I'll come with you. There are still some presents I need to search for, anyway."
"Does that include mine?" Milo inquired.
"Maybe. Maybe not," he teased.
They walked down to the entrance hall. Felicity was stood by door waiting. She was wearing a long red woolen coat trimmed with white fur over her dress, with a matching white muffler around her neck. Her hair had been tied back with a red ribbon. Seeing her standing there Milo stopped and Tobin walked into his back.
"Ow. What's wrong?"
"N-nothing. I was just thinking."
"Could you try and do that at the same time as walking? It's not too difficult."
Milo punched his brother on the arm. "Shut up! I was just thinking that," he lowered his voice slightly, "she looks pretty. Don't you agree?"
Tobin stretched to look over his brother's shoulder. "I guess so."
"You guess so?"
"I don't know, its not something I've spent much time considering. Besides, beauty is relative, isn't it?"
Milo shook his head. "Sometimes I pity the poor girl who is going to fall for you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Still bickering light-heartedly they walked towards the door. Felicity looked slightly annoyed as the approached.
"You took your time," she commented. "The lake will get very busy if we don't hurry."
"Sorry," Milo replied with a smile. "It took awhile to convince the book-worm to come out and spend some time with real people."
"Is he coming skating with us?"
"No, I'd just like to share the coach down if that's all right," Tobin replied. He was beginning to wonder if leaving his warm spot by the fire was a good idea. "I'm sorry if I've delayed you."
"Lets just go." She led the way outside to the waiting coach. Tobin and Milo exchanged a look.
"You were right, she is pretty," Tobin commented. "Pretty irritated, at least. Ow, stop hitting me! It was your idea to drag me away from my book, remember?"
"You deserved it. Come on, before she leaves us both behind." He took a step and then stopped. "I've missed you being around these last few weeks."
"What? You missed having someone to beat on?" Tobin muttered, rubbing his arm, but he had to admit he was grateful to his brother for encouraging him to take a break.
The coach took them down the hill to the gardens where it was clear that Felicity's fears were not unfounded. The grounds around the lake were thronging with people, and more were out on the ice. Various enterprising types had set up stands selling roasted chestnuts and hot drinks on the snow-covered grass, and the air was filled with inviting scents.
Having arrived, Felicity's mood seemed to have improved. She urged them out if the coach and then hurried to a nearby bench to put on her skates. Milo made quick plans to meet up with his brother again for lunch, and walked over to join her.
"I haven't been skating for so long," she commented as he sat down next to her. "Last year was not cold enough to freeze over the lake."
"I've never done it before." He looked at the graceful figures gliding over the ice. "Is it difficult?"
"I'm sure you will be fine," she assured him. He finished lacing up his skates and she took his hands, leading him towards the lake. Once the reached the edge, she let go and in a couple of effortless steps had skated about six feet away from him. She held out her hand again. "Just come towards me."
Cautiously he put one foot forward onto the lake. So far, so good. He lifted his other foot, so all his weight was now on the ice, and lost his balance. His foot shot forward, dragging the rest of him with him and, arms flailing ineffectually, he ended up falling flat on his face. With humiliating grace, Felicity hurried over to help him to his feet. Milo sat up and looked around, but fortunately his brother appeared to have left already. Felicity held out a hand to him, with the other she tried unsuccessfully to smother her giggles.
"I'll be fine, huh?" Milo muttered. "Maybe I should just watch."
"Don't give up now! Come on, try again."
He struggled to his feet, holding tightly to her hand. Once he was upright she started to move.
"Whoa!"
"You will never get the hang of it if you just stand there. It's actually easier to keep your balance if you are moving."
After a few terrifying moments of wobbling, Milo found she was correct. As she led him in a wide, slow circle around the lake, he found himself relaxing and enjoying himself. After a few minutes he even worked up the courage to let go of her hand.
Across the park, Tobin was making his way towards the shopping district. He was glad he decided not to try skating: not only was he convinced it was a foolish idea, but the whole area seemed far too overcrowded to be comfortable. It just seemed like an easy way to get your pockets picked.
As he walked away from the noisy lake, he spotted another group of people. They were standing off the path, just to one side of the main gates and appeared to be listening to a speaker stood on a box in front of them. Deciding one crowd carried the same risks as another, Tobin ignored them. As he passed he overheard the speaker, a passionate man with a strange accent, but could only make out a few words. One that kept cropping up was sorceress, which made him curious, but not enough to get any closer.
The shopping distinct was unpleasantly busy, but he made good progress with finding his remaining presents. Finally he just one left, and that was the hardest one to decide on. He stood in front of a jewellery store, trying to decide whether the emerald earrings or the butterfly broach would be best.
"You should go with those," came a voice over his shoulder. "They'd really bring out your eyes."
He turned round. "Hello Ros."
"Hey. So, did I solve your jewellery dilemma? You've been staring at that window for a good five minutes now."
"I'm not looking for me," he replied. "I need to find a present for Felicity, my host's daughter. I want to get her something she will like: I don't think she thinks much of me."
"Why would anyone not like you?" Rosney asked, putting a friendly arm round Tobin's shoulder.
"I don't know," he said earnestly. "Maybe I'm wrong; most of the time she is perfectly polite and friendly. But sometimes she can come across very cold, as if I've offended her somehow. What do you think would be best: the butterfly or those earrings?"
Rosney shrugged. "She sounds like most women I know. But, if you want my opinion, I'd go with the butterfly. That's a good friend present. The earrings are something you would give to a girl you wanted to be more than friends with. Unless, of course, you have intentions that way?"
Tobin laughed. "Not at all. I think I shall concentrate on university first before I start paying attention to things like that. Will you wait a moment while I go and buy it?"
Rosney nodded and Tobin disappeared into the shop, coming out a few minutes later with a small, neatly wrapped box. Suddenly worn out, he crossed the road and sat down on a bench. Rosney dropped down next to him.
"So, are you done now?"
"Yes, thank goodness." He reached down and picked up one of the packages, which he then handed to Rosney. "Here: I got this for you. I know it's early, but I might as well give this to you now." Rosney unwrapped it to reveal a bottle of amber liquid. "I know nothing about whisky," Tobin continued, "but I wrote to my father and he said that brand was good."
Rosney looked at the bottle in his hands and calculated it must be worth the equivalent of several months drinking. "This is a very generous gift. I don't know what to say."
"'Thank you' is traditional," Tobin replied with a grin.
He laughed. "Very well: thank you." He leaned over and embraced Tobin in a tight hug. "So, how are things? Is the studying with Grandpa going well?"
Tobin nodded. "It's going well; I'm learning so much. It's a bit daunting know how much more I need to study, but Grandpa Words is a good teacher. Beyond that, the snow is going to stop me getting home; the earl barely notices me; his daughter may or may not dislike me; and I think despite this my brother is falling for her." He sighed. "Why does family have to be so complicated?"
"You think your family is complicated?" Rosney retorted. "Look at mine: I live with my aunt, seven unrelated older "sisters", and a little mute girl who turned up on the doorstep one day. I'm completely out-numbered by women!"
"I suppose I have no real right to complain. My holiday might be uncomfortable, but I suspect Father will have a much worse time."
"You sound worried about him," Rosney commented. "Is he unwell?"
"No, just lonely really. When Mother died he lost the only adult he had to talk to. He has no family besides us, and no real friends. And he never really recovered from Shana..." he trailed off.
"Shana was your sister, right? What happened to her, if you don't mind me asking?"
"She...She..." Tobin stood up suddenly. "I need to go, I have to meet Milo for lunch," he mumbled. He gathered up his purchases and was gone without another word.
Rosney watched him go. "Guess he did mind then." He sighed, looking down at the bottle on his hand. "And things were going so well, too."
The day of the Solstice was a brilliant sunny day. The night before had been clear, so every exterior surface was covered in a layer of frost that sparkled and shone like scattered diamonds in the cold winter light.
The household rose early and headed down to the large church on the plaza. Milo and his brother had been made new clothes especially for the occasion, and for the first time he felt no shabbiness in a social gathering. He could not remember the last time Solstice had excited him so: before Shana had died, certainly. He could tell Tobin did not share quite his level of enthusiasm, but today everyone was filled with an infectious good humour that was impossible to resist.
There must have been a thousand people in the grand church, maybe even more. The royal family were already in place, seated in a balcony high above the other pews, attended by a row of impassive palace guards in gleaming breastplate. The earl led his family to a place near the front of the building where they would be able to hear the sermon easily. As he looked around Milo could see many of his new friends, seated with their own households.
The church was lit with thousands of candles; he guessed there could have been ten for every person sitting. Large ones, thicker than a grown man's shin and almost as long stood round each of the majestic stone pillars. Above the congregation were many iron chandeliers, each covered with smaller, slender candles. Yet more alighted on the balconies and window sills.
As well as candles, great bows of evergreen material were strung from one end to the other, garnished with ribbons of red and gold. The pews, too, had been decorated with long strips of fabtic, gathered in swaggers along their lengths. The woodwork shone and the metalwork gleamed. It was a splendid church even on a normal day, but today it was glorious.
Given the magnificent surroundings, Milo was a little disappointed to find the sermon was very similar to the one from the Blackwater church. While he accepted that the story of creation was pretty fixed, but he was hoping for something a bit more original. As the priest spoke of the birth of the four children of God being given their roles, Milo found his mind wandering.
When the sermon was over, the congregation filed out into the wide plaza where the families mixed to give the season's greetings to their friends and neighbours. This was something he had never experienced at Blackwater; his father stopped and spoke to people after church, but it had always been a matter of duty to him and a torture to Milo, holding him back from the twin joys of breakfast and presents.
Here, however, the greetings were warm and genuinely well meant. Before he realised it, Milo had spent almost an hour wandering between friends. Looking around to see if there was anyone else he still needed to speak with he spotted his brother standing alone to one side.
"Are you done already? There's no one else you want to speak to?"
Tobin shook his head. "Not really. I guess I don't really know many people here."
"What about your tutor. He is around, surely?"
"Er, sure. But he's left already. What about you?" Tobin hated to lie, especially to his brother, but he was certain that if Milo was to ever learn certain details of his tutoring arrangement he would try and put a stop to it.
"I'm about done. Is everything all right? You don't seem to be fully getting into the holiday spirit."
"I think you're doing that enough for both of us," he replied with a smile that faded away quickly. "I'm just... I keep thinking about Father and I feel a little guilty about enjoying myself."
Milo had not given any consideration to their father being alone at solstice and suddenly felt more than a little guilty. He tried to cover the unwanted emotion. "Father will be fine; he's strong, remember? He would not have allowed us to go otherwise."
"I know, but this is different," Tobin protested. "Solstice is for families, right?"
"We'll go back, just in a few days. I mean, the snow can't last forever, can it?" He put his arm round Tobin's shoulder." We'll have a second celebration, it will be great."
"If we have too many celebrations, you're going to get fat," Tobin commented. "I've seen how much goose you can eat!"
Milo grinned. "Happy Solstice, little brother."
"Happy Solstice Milo."
They returned to the earl's house shortly afterwards. A luxurious breakfast was laid out waiting for them when they got back, and the house was filled with the scent of fresh bread, eggs and bacon.
After they had eaten they retired to the sitting room where the the large tree stood. It was standing in a large, red pot, but this was currently hidden from view by a huge pile of brightly wrapped presents. Milo, who had never seen so many in one place, was definitely feeling as excited as a small child. The only difference was this now he cared less about what he was give and more about what people thought of his gifts to them.
As the pile of presents under the tree grew smaller, the pile of paper by each person grew larger. Milo picked up one of the few remaining boxes and handed it to his brother. Tobin looked at the narrow box in his hand.
"It's not a book, then?"
"Not this year."
Tobin undid the gold ribbon and opened the gift. From inside he took out an elegant fountain pen.
"It's beautiful, thank you."
"I thought, as you were going to university, you would need something like that."
The heavy snow returned with a vengeance over the next few days. When it did finally stop there was a cold spell that froze everything in an icy grip. Frost roses covered the windows, and the street were slick with a thick layer of ice. Everything seemed to have hidden away from the cold: no birds stirred, no carriages or even people on the roads; even the street lamps had been left unlit the last few nights.
It took almost a week before life started to flow again. Tobin was staring despondently out of the window when his brother entered, watching a bird pecking at the frozen lawn.
"We finally got some post through," Milo commented.
"Was there anything for us?" he asked hopefully. Most letters were delivered by the arcane powers of the sorceresses, but since Shana's death, their father would have nothing to do with them and so they had been waiting for a letter by more mundane methods.
Milo handed him a letter, which Tobin read through quickly. It was a letter from their father, stating in his usual calm and precise terms how he had spent his solstice.
"See? I told you he would be fine," Milo commented. "Listen, Felicity said there's a fair set up in the park. We should go down and take a look."
Tobin looked at the open books on his desk. "I shouldn't."
"Really? What have you learned so far this morning?"
"Mostly... that it's a bad time to be a bird," he admitted.
"Exactly. Come on."
Felicity was waiting for them by the coach. She was wearing the same red coat she had worn when they went skating and, Tobin noticed, the deep red garnet earrings Milo had given her. In the week since Solstice he had not seen her wearing the butterfly brooch and he suspected he never would. He thought he should be irritated by this idea, but instead he found himself strangely unmoved.
The coach had to travel slowly because the streets were still icy. Every now and then they felt it lurch as the horses slipped on the cobbles. Milo and Felicity chatted animatedly on the drive down, unperturbed by the sudden motions. The closer they got to the park, the more people they would see. Up on the hill, it seemed like their household was the only one still moving; out here though it was almost business as usual.
They stepped out of the coach onto the already well trodden snow of Queens Park. The sound of music floated on the still, crisp air. Following the other people heading to the fair they walked past the lake which was still frozen and covered in skaters. The snow on the paths had been trampled to a muddy mush, but either side it was still deep and crisp.
They crested the hill on the far side of the lake and looked down on the fairground. Below were laid out many stands and stalls, and beyond them were the attractions: carousels, a ferris wheel, even a helter-skelter had been erected. In the centre of it all stood a huge steam powered organ.
The organ was decorated, appropriately enough for the time of year, with scenes of creation. Here, stepping out of the great flower were the four children who were the origin of all mankind. First Son and Second Daughter who were the parents to all; Third Son who would become the first priest; and Forth Daughter who carried the power of the sorceress. The images were arranged around a central space where you could look through and see the holed paper that directed the organ's tune rotating.
They decided to ignore the stalls for the moment and headed over to the attractions. With a childish glee they climbed the spiral stairway of the helter-skelter and slid down on sacks until they were dizzy. Aside from their clothes there was no difference between the three from the household of the Earl, and all the other children who were attending the fair.
When they were tired of the slide they turned to the carousel. The largest had painted wooden horses that rose up and down on golden poles in an imitation of running. Each one was beautifully painted with gold main and tail and a name embossed on its wooden harness. Felicity was delighted to find one with her name.
After the carousel, Felicity looked around for what to do next. She spotted a dark building, shaped like a run down cottage just past the tower of the helter-skelter and gave a squeal of delight. She grabbed Milo's arm and pointed.
"Look! A haunted house!"
Milo had seen something similar a few years ago. The mocked up house had rattling floors; walls that moved; strange noises and puffs of cold air. Things would drop from the ceiling, or appear out of nowhere. It should have been exciting and creepy, but there had been one problem. He turned to Felicity.
"Okay, we can do that. But on the condition that Tobin waits outside."
Tobin looked hurt. "What? Why?"
"Because it takes all the fun out of it when you explain how all the tricks are done," Milo explained. "Don't worry, we won't be long."
Before his brother could protest Milo took Felicity's hand and they ran off together across the slush. Tobin watched them go, feeling abandoned. Looking at the their backs as they hurried away he knew this would be a sight he saw more of. He did not really begrudge their relationship, after all he would be going to university himself shortly. But it was a sign they were changing; that their childhood was coming to an end.
Still, he would be damned if he was going to sit there and wait for them like a puppy. He walked back towards the great organ and saw a couple of familiar figures by a sweet-chestnut stand.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," Rosney said with a grin. "People will talk." At his side Katja gave Tobin a wave.
"Let them," he replied. He waved back at Katja. Solstice had been good for her, it seemed. She was wearing a new woolen coat, and matching gloves and scarf which had been embroidered with little pink flowers. Her blonde curls had been pushed away from her forehead by a hairband decorated with pink silk roses.
"Are you here alone?"
"I am now." He told them about the haunted house, something Rosney found funnier than Tobin thought he had right to.
"Nevermind, you can stay with us. We've been sent away too. After a week of everyone being stuck inside and getting under each other's feet it was a case of getting out when we could or risking escalating violence." They started walking down the row of stalls while Katja ran on ahead. "When are you planning to start lessons again?"
"Next week, hopefully. Provided the snow stays away. Is it always this cold here?"
"This is a particularly bad winter," Rosney admitted. "I take it you didn't get to go home?"
Tobin shook his head. "Not yet. But things weren't as bad as I feared. What about you, did you enjoy Solstice?"
"Definitely!" he replied with a grin. "We ate too much, drank too much and then spent the next day wondering whether the hangover or the indigestion was going to kill us first. Good times."
They were passing close to the entrance of the park and Tobin spotted a group of people gathered in the same place he had seen them a couple of weeks ago. He turned to Rosney.
"Do you know what's going on over there
Rosney followed his gaze and nodded.
"That's Matthias Holt," he said, pointing to the figure standing on the box. "He's getting quite a following these days; that doesn't bode well."
"Why? Who is he?"
"He claims to be a sailor from the Rhetland ship that sank a couple of years ago. He showed up last summer and just started talking to anyone who would listen. That was nobody at first, but I see more people there every time I come past."
"What is he talking to them about?"
"He's against the sorceresses. Apparently, they don't have them in his country and he believes that we are weak and reliant on them. He thinks we should do more with our hands, rather than relying on magic."
Tobin nodded; he had similar opinions himself.
"Of course, this talk pisses off those who think we should be making more use of magic and of course the church, not to mention the sorceresses themselves. To be honest I'm surprised he's lasted this long; I'd put money on him having an accident if you know what I mean. They've arrested him a couple of times, but talking isn't a crime, and he never actually incites violence. Of course his followers and his enemies take every opportunity to knock heads. One of these days its going to end up a full blown riot."
"Where do you stand?" Tobin enquired curiously.
"On sorceresses? As far away as possible. Magic or technology, it doesn't bother me. But the fervour some of these men show to one side or the other, its downright scary." He looked around suddenly. "Hey, do you see Kat?"
Tobin shook his head: the little girl was nowhere in sight. Rosney sighed.
"I swear that girl is going to turn my hair grey before I reach twenty."
"She can't have gone far," he said, trying to be reassuring.
"That's not what worries me. She's got a funny attitude to personal property; she'll just take whatever she wants if you don't watch her. I swear she thinks she's royalty sometimes. But whatever she thinks she is, its not going to stop her getting arrested."
"They wouldn't lock a little child up, surely?"
"Don't believe a word of it. They'll lock up any kid they want and leave them to rot if they want." He sounded angry. "Come on, let's just find her."
After a frantic search they found her standing in front of a sweet stall staring up at a row of toffee-apples with wide eyes. Rosney grabbed her wrist and pulled her round to face him, then began to lecture her angrily about running off. He seemed almost a different person when dealing with the girl, Tobin thought: older and more mature.
Katja's eyes were full of tears by the time Tobin stepped in. It was obvious she wanted to explain herself, but without being able to speak she had no way to do so.
"Peace?" Tobin suggested, handing each of them a toffee-apple. At first Rosney looked angry at being interrupted, the accepted the gift with a tired smile.
"Friends again?" he asked Katja who responded by throwing her arms around him. "I'll take that as a yes. I only got angry because I was worried about you, you understand that, right?"
She nodded, then turned her attention to the treat in her hands.
"I should go," Tobin commented. "Milo will be looking for me by now."
Rosney nodded. "Well then, I shall see you next week then."
They parted and Tobin headed back in the direction of the haunted house. He found Milo coming round the carousel.
"Where did you go?"
Tobin shrugged. "I was hungry," he replied, gesturing at the toffee-apple. "How was it?"
"Not great, to be honest. I could have told you how most of the tricks were done."
"They must have been hardly trying at all, then," Tobin teased. Felicity had wandered off to look at the stalls ahead.
"Still, enough of them worked on Felicity for it to be worthwhile," Milo admitted when she was out of earshot. "There was one point, where a skeleton leaps out of a closet, where she pretty much threw herself into my arms."
"Scandalous!" Tobin commented dryly. "You two carry on like that and people will talk."
Milo blushed slightly. "I don't really mind."
"So you think that you and her will get married?"
His brother held up his hands. "Not anytime soon!" His voice softened. "But, maybe, some day. Perhaps. Providing her father approves of course."
Tobin laughed. "You have the dopiest expression on your face right now."
"Do not!"
"Yes you do." He saw Felicity walking back towards them. "Why don't we ask the future Mrs Whitlaw what she thinks about it?"
Milo blushed so hard the tips of his ears glowed crimson. "You shut your mouth!" he hissed.
Felicity raised a delicate arched eyebrow. "What are you two arguing about?" she demanded.
"We're not arguing," Tobin replied. "I was just pointing out to my brother that he is a hopeless romantic."
"I don't think that's anything to be ashamed of," she replied, patting Milo's hand. "No matter what anyone else says, don't change a thing about yourself."
They walked slowly back through the stalls and stopped to feed the swans on the lake with seed bought from a little toothless man in a park-keeper's uniform that looked almost as old as he was. They were near the group listening to Matthias Holt and some of his words floated over on the cold air. Felicity shuddered.
"Why the police do not arrest that filthy little man I do not know," she grumbled.
"Why? He's not really doing anything illegal, is he?" Tobin asked, remembering his earlier conversation with Rosney.
"That's beside the point!" she snapped. "He's inciting people to break the natural order of things on Tobermoerai. The sorceresses are part of who we are as a people, aside from anything else. To remove them from society would be as stupid as...as cutting off your own hand," she finished vehemently.
After that day, life settled down into a routine. Each morning after breakfast Tobin would head down to the city to spend the day studying with his tutor, then most of the evening reading. If Milo had had any doubts about his brother's dedication to his goal, these were quickly dispelled. Of course, this left Milo at a loss for what to do with himself.
After a few days of feeling awkward and somewhat lost, he started joining Felicity when she went out to visit her friends. After a while he found himself becoming accepted and soon the invitations were offered to him in his own right.
Being let into this group of young, affluent adults who had grown up in the city was a strange and somewhat nerve-wracking experience. The feeling of being slightly shabby that he had first experienced at the party re-emerged and he was deeply conscious of his accent. While everyone on the surface seemed welcoming and friendly, he could not shake the feeling that he was being tested at times.
If he ever failed a test, no one ever mentioned it and as time passed he found his concerns faded away. He found that he was glad Tobin was occupied with study; partly because he suspected his brother would not respond well to the idea of being tested and partly because it meant that these friends were Milo's alone. It felt strange to have something that he did not share with Tobin, but at same time it felt satisfying. Their lives starting to diverge felt like a sign that they were growing up and Milo took pleasure in this.
While the weather held out there was hunting and shooting in the woods behind the estate. It only lasted for around another month before turning nasty, however. First there were storms that shook the windows of the house with violent wind and driving rain. Then, after the rain finished it got cold and then then the snow came, piling thick and heavy over the city.
The dramatic change in weather trapped them in the house for for a few days, and the dark skies threatened further falls. The streets were cleared, but the snow fall had been heavier around the city and it looked likely that their plans to return home would be cancelled. Milo felt sorry for his father, alone for the first time during a holiday, but at the same time he looking forward to experiencing the festivities in the city.
The snow did not hamper the city's plans for the forthcoming celebrations. Soon the streets were hung with garlands of dark, evergreen foliage, decorated with brass bells and flowers, and intertwined with white and gold ribbons. Wreaths appeared on almost every door and in the big shops the window displays changed to stories of the creation.
About a week before the big day Milo knocked on his brother's door. The latest batch of snow had finished yesterday and today was clear and bright, if bitterly cold. Tobin was sat by the fire in his room, making notes.
"No lessons today?"
Tobin shook his head. "No, we're taking a break for the holiday. My tutor says it's important to rest the mind as well as the body."
"You don't seem to be doing a very good job of resting you mind," Milo pointed out. "The lake has frozen over, so Felicity and I are are going to go skating. Do you want to come with us? I'm sure we can find another spare pair of skates."
"No thank you. The idea of strapping thin pieces of metal to my feet and venturing out onto a body of frozen water doesn't really appeal to me."
"Come on, you can't stay in here all day. At least come down to the city with us. You'll go mad just shut inside all the time."
Tobin sighed and closed up the notebook. "All right, you win. I'll come with you. There are still some presents I need to search for, anyway."
"Does that include mine?" Milo inquired.
"Maybe. Maybe not," he teased.
They walked down to the entrance hall. Felicity was stood by door waiting. She was wearing a long red woolen coat trimmed with white fur over her dress, with a matching white muffler around her neck. Her hair had been tied back with a red ribbon. Seeing her standing there Milo stopped and Tobin walked into his back.
"Ow. What's wrong?"
"N-nothing. I was just thinking."
"Could you try and do that at the same time as walking? It's not too difficult."
Milo punched his brother on the arm. "Shut up! I was just thinking that," he lowered his voice slightly, "she looks pretty. Don't you agree?"
Tobin stretched to look over his brother's shoulder. "I guess so."
"You guess so?"
"I don't know, its not something I've spent much time considering. Besides, beauty is relative, isn't it?"
Milo shook his head. "Sometimes I pity the poor girl who is going to fall for you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Still bickering light-heartedly they walked towards the door. Felicity looked slightly annoyed as the approached.
"You took your time," she commented. "The lake will get very busy if we don't hurry."
"Sorry," Milo replied with a smile. "It took awhile to convince the book-worm to come out and spend some time with real people."
"Is he coming skating with us?"
"No, I'd just like to share the coach down if that's all right," Tobin replied. He was beginning to wonder if leaving his warm spot by the fire was a good idea. "I'm sorry if I've delayed you."
"Lets just go." She led the way outside to the waiting coach. Tobin and Milo exchanged a look.
"You were right, she is pretty," Tobin commented. "Pretty irritated, at least. Ow, stop hitting me! It was your idea to drag me away from my book, remember?"
"You deserved it. Come on, before she leaves us both behind." He took a step and then stopped. "I've missed you being around these last few weeks."
"What? You missed having someone to beat on?" Tobin muttered, rubbing his arm, but he had to admit he was grateful to his brother for encouraging him to take a break.
The coach took them down the hill to the gardens where it was clear that Felicity's fears were not unfounded. The grounds around the lake were thronging with people, and more were out on the ice. Various enterprising types had set up stands selling roasted chestnuts and hot drinks on the snow-covered grass, and the air was filled with inviting scents.
Having arrived, Felicity's mood seemed to have improved. She urged them out if the coach and then hurried to a nearby bench to put on her skates. Milo made quick plans to meet up with his brother again for lunch, and walked over to join her.
"I haven't been skating for so long," she commented as he sat down next to her. "Last year was not cold enough to freeze over the lake."
"I've never done it before." He looked at the graceful figures gliding over the ice. "Is it difficult?"
"I'm sure you will be fine," she assured him. He finished lacing up his skates and she took his hands, leading him towards the lake. Once the reached the edge, she let go and in a couple of effortless steps had skated about six feet away from him. She held out her hand again. "Just come towards me."
Cautiously he put one foot forward onto the lake. So far, so good. He lifted his other foot, so all his weight was now on the ice, and lost his balance. His foot shot forward, dragging the rest of him with him and, arms flailing ineffectually, he ended up falling flat on his face. With humiliating grace, Felicity hurried over to help him to his feet. Milo sat up and looked around, but fortunately his brother appeared to have left already. Felicity held out a hand to him, with the other she tried unsuccessfully to smother her giggles.
"I'll be fine, huh?" Milo muttered. "Maybe I should just watch."
"Don't give up now! Come on, try again."
He struggled to his feet, holding tightly to her hand. Once he was upright she started to move.
"Whoa!"
"You will never get the hang of it if you just stand there. It's actually easier to keep your balance if you are moving."
After a few terrifying moments of wobbling, Milo found she was correct. As she led him in a wide, slow circle around the lake, he found himself relaxing and enjoying himself. After a few minutes he even worked up the courage to let go of her hand.
Across the park, Tobin was making his way towards the shopping district. He was glad he decided not to try skating: not only was he convinced it was a foolish idea, but the whole area seemed far too overcrowded to be comfortable. It just seemed like an easy way to get your pockets picked.
As he walked away from the noisy lake, he spotted another group of people. They were standing off the path, just to one side of the main gates and appeared to be listening to a speaker stood on a box in front of them. Deciding one crowd carried the same risks as another, Tobin ignored them. As he passed he overheard the speaker, a passionate man with a strange accent, but could only make out a few words. One that kept cropping up was sorceress, which made him curious, but not enough to get any closer.
The shopping distinct was unpleasantly busy, but he made good progress with finding his remaining presents. Finally he just one left, and that was the hardest one to decide on. He stood in front of a jewellery store, trying to decide whether the emerald earrings or the butterfly broach would be best.
"You should go with those," came a voice over his shoulder. "They'd really bring out your eyes."
He turned round. "Hello Ros."
"Hey. So, did I solve your jewellery dilemma? You've been staring at that window for a good five minutes now."
"I'm not looking for me," he replied. "I need to find a present for Felicity, my host's daughter. I want to get her something she will like: I don't think she thinks much of me."
"Why would anyone not like you?" Rosney asked, putting a friendly arm round Tobin's shoulder.
"I don't know," he said earnestly. "Maybe I'm wrong; most of the time she is perfectly polite and friendly. But sometimes she can come across very cold, as if I've offended her somehow. What do you think would be best: the butterfly or those earrings?"
Rosney shrugged. "She sounds like most women I know. But, if you want my opinion, I'd go with the butterfly. That's a good friend present. The earrings are something you would give to a girl you wanted to be more than friends with. Unless, of course, you have intentions that way?"
Tobin laughed. "Not at all. I think I shall concentrate on university first before I start paying attention to things like that. Will you wait a moment while I go and buy it?"
Rosney nodded and Tobin disappeared into the shop, coming out a few minutes later with a small, neatly wrapped box. Suddenly worn out, he crossed the road and sat down on a bench. Rosney dropped down next to him.
"So, are you done now?"
"Yes, thank goodness." He reached down and picked up one of the packages, which he then handed to Rosney. "Here: I got this for you. I know it's early, but I might as well give this to you now." Rosney unwrapped it to reveal a bottle of amber liquid. "I know nothing about whisky," Tobin continued, "but I wrote to my father and he said that brand was good."
Rosney looked at the bottle in his hands and calculated it must be worth the equivalent of several months drinking. "This is a very generous gift. I don't know what to say."
"'Thank you' is traditional," Tobin replied with a grin.
He laughed. "Very well: thank you." He leaned over and embraced Tobin in a tight hug. "So, how are things? Is the studying with Grandpa going well?"
Tobin nodded. "It's going well; I'm learning so much. It's a bit daunting know how much more I need to study, but Grandpa Words is a good teacher. Beyond that, the snow is going to stop me getting home; the earl barely notices me; his daughter may or may not dislike me; and I think despite this my brother is falling for her." He sighed. "Why does family have to be so complicated?"
"You think your family is complicated?" Rosney retorted. "Look at mine: I live with my aunt, seven unrelated older "sisters", and a little mute girl who turned up on the doorstep one day. I'm completely out-numbered by women!"
"I suppose I have no real right to complain. My holiday might be uncomfortable, but I suspect Father will have a much worse time."
"You sound worried about him," Rosney commented. "Is he unwell?"
"No, just lonely really. When Mother died he lost the only adult he had to talk to. He has no family besides us, and no real friends. And he never really recovered from Shana..." he trailed off.
"Shana was your sister, right? What happened to her, if you don't mind me asking?"
"She...She..." Tobin stood up suddenly. "I need to go, I have to meet Milo for lunch," he mumbled. He gathered up his purchases and was gone without another word.
Rosney watched him go. "Guess he did mind then." He sighed, looking down at the bottle on his hand. "And things were going so well, too."
The day of the Solstice was a brilliant sunny day. The night before had been clear, so every exterior surface was covered in a layer of frost that sparkled and shone like scattered diamonds in the cold winter light.
The household rose early and headed down to the large church on the plaza. Milo and his brother had been made new clothes especially for the occasion, and for the first time he felt no shabbiness in a social gathering. He could not remember the last time Solstice had excited him so: before Shana had died, certainly. He could tell Tobin did not share quite his level of enthusiasm, but today everyone was filled with an infectious good humour that was impossible to resist.
There must have been a thousand people in the grand church, maybe even more. The royal family were already in place, seated in a balcony high above the other pews, attended by a row of impassive palace guards in gleaming breastplate. The earl led his family to a place near the front of the building where they would be able to hear the sermon easily. As he looked around Milo could see many of his new friends, seated with their own households.
The church was lit with thousands of candles; he guessed there could have been ten for every person sitting. Large ones, thicker than a grown man's shin and almost as long stood round each of the majestic stone pillars. Above the congregation were many iron chandeliers, each covered with smaller, slender candles. Yet more alighted on the balconies and window sills.
As well as candles, great bows of evergreen material were strung from one end to the other, garnished with ribbons of red and gold. The pews, too, had been decorated with long strips of fabtic, gathered in swaggers along their lengths. The woodwork shone and the metalwork gleamed. It was a splendid church even on a normal day, but today it was glorious.
Given the magnificent surroundings, Milo was a little disappointed to find the sermon was very similar to the one from the Blackwater church. While he accepted that the story of creation was pretty fixed, but he was hoping for something a bit more original. As the priest spoke of the birth of the four children of God being given their roles, Milo found his mind wandering.
When the sermon was over, the congregation filed out into the wide plaza where the families mixed to give the season's greetings to their friends and neighbours. This was something he had never experienced at Blackwater; his father stopped and spoke to people after church, but it had always been a matter of duty to him and a torture to Milo, holding him back from the twin joys of breakfast and presents.
Here, however, the greetings were warm and genuinely well meant. Before he realised it, Milo had spent almost an hour wandering between friends. Looking around to see if there was anyone else he still needed to speak with he spotted his brother standing alone to one side.
"Are you done already? There's no one else you want to speak to?"
Tobin shook his head. "Not really. I guess I don't really know many people here."
"What about your tutor. He is around, surely?"
"Er, sure. But he's left already. What about you?" Tobin hated to lie, especially to his brother, but he was certain that if Milo was to ever learn certain details of his tutoring arrangement he would try and put a stop to it.
"I'm about done. Is everything all right? You don't seem to be fully getting into the holiday spirit."
"I think you're doing that enough for both of us," he replied with a smile that faded away quickly. "I'm just... I keep thinking about Father and I feel a little guilty about enjoying myself."
Milo had not given any consideration to their father being alone at solstice and suddenly felt more than a little guilty. He tried to cover the unwanted emotion. "Father will be fine; he's strong, remember? He would not have allowed us to go otherwise."
"I know, but this is different," Tobin protested. "Solstice is for families, right?"
"We'll go back, just in a few days. I mean, the snow can't last forever, can it?" He put his arm round Tobin's shoulder." We'll have a second celebration, it will be great."
"If we have too many celebrations, you're going to get fat," Tobin commented. "I've seen how much goose you can eat!"
Milo grinned. "Happy Solstice, little brother."
"Happy Solstice Milo."
They returned to the earl's house shortly afterwards. A luxurious breakfast was laid out waiting for them when they got back, and the house was filled with the scent of fresh bread, eggs and bacon.
After they had eaten they retired to the sitting room where the the large tree stood. It was standing in a large, red pot, but this was currently hidden from view by a huge pile of brightly wrapped presents. Milo, who had never seen so many in one place, was definitely feeling as excited as a small child. The only difference was this now he cared less about what he was give and more about what people thought of his gifts to them.
As the pile of presents under the tree grew smaller, the pile of paper by each person grew larger. Milo picked up one of the few remaining boxes and handed it to his brother. Tobin looked at the narrow box in his hand.
"It's not a book, then?"
"Not this year."
Tobin undid the gold ribbon and opened the gift. From inside he took out an elegant fountain pen.
"It's beautiful, thank you."
"I thought, as you were going to university, you would need something like that."
The heavy snow returned with a vengeance over the next few days. When it did finally stop there was a cold spell that froze everything in an icy grip. Frost roses covered the windows, and the street were slick with a thick layer of ice. Everything seemed to have hidden away from the cold: no birds stirred, no carriages or even people on the roads; even the street lamps had been left unlit the last few nights.
It took almost a week before life started to flow again. Tobin was staring despondently out of the window when his brother entered, watching a bird pecking at the frozen lawn.
"We finally got some post through," Milo commented.
"Was there anything for us?" he asked hopefully. Most letters were delivered by the arcane powers of the sorceresses, but since Shana's death, their father would have nothing to do with them and so they had been waiting for a letter by more mundane methods.
Milo handed him a letter, which Tobin read through quickly. It was a letter from their father, stating in his usual calm and precise terms how he had spent his solstice.
"See? I told you he would be fine," Milo commented. "Listen, Felicity said there's a fair set up in the park. We should go down and take a look."
Tobin looked at the open books on his desk. "I shouldn't."
"Really? What have you learned so far this morning?"
"Mostly... that it's a bad time to be a bird," he admitted.
"Exactly. Come on."
Felicity was waiting for them by the coach. She was wearing the same red coat she had worn when they went skating and, Tobin noticed, the deep red garnet earrings Milo had given her. In the week since Solstice he had not seen her wearing the butterfly brooch and he suspected he never would. He thought he should be irritated by this idea, but instead he found himself strangely unmoved.
The coach had to travel slowly because the streets were still icy. Every now and then they felt it lurch as the horses slipped on the cobbles. Milo and Felicity chatted animatedly on the drive down, unperturbed by the sudden motions. The closer they got to the park, the more people they would see. Up on the hill, it seemed like their household was the only one still moving; out here though it was almost business as usual.
They stepped out of the coach onto the already well trodden snow of Queens Park. The sound of music floated on the still, crisp air. Following the other people heading to the fair they walked past the lake which was still frozen and covered in skaters. The snow on the paths had been trampled to a muddy mush, but either side it was still deep and crisp.
They crested the hill on the far side of the lake and looked down on the fairground. Below were laid out many stands and stalls, and beyond them were the attractions: carousels, a ferris wheel, even a helter-skelter had been erected. In the centre of it all stood a huge steam powered organ.
The organ was decorated, appropriately enough for the time of year, with scenes of creation. Here, stepping out of the great flower were the four children who were the origin of all mankind. First Son and Second Daughter who were the parents to all; Third Son who would become the first priest; and Forth Daughter who carried the power of the sorceress. The images were arranged around a central space where you could look through and see the holed paper that directed the organ's tune rotating.
They decided to ignore the stalls for the moment and headed over to the attractions. With a childish glee they climbed the spiral stairway of the helter-skelter and slid down on sacks until they were dizzy. Aside from their clothes there was no difference between the three from the household of the Earl, and all the other children who were attending the fair.
When they were tired of the slide they turned to the carousel. The largest had painted wooden horses that rose up and down on golden poles in an imitation of running. Each one was beautifully painted with gold main and tail and a name embossed on its wooden harness. Felicity was delighted to find one with her name.
After the carousel, Felicity looked around for what to do next. She spotted a dark building, shaped like a run down cottage just past the tower of the helter-skelter and gave a squeal of delight. She grabbed Milo's arm and pointed.
"Look! A haunted house!"
Milo had seen something similar a few years ago. The mocked up house had rattling floors; walls that moved; strange noises and puffs of cold air. Things would drop from the ceiling, or appear out of nowhere. It should have been exciting and creepy, but there had been one problem. He turned to Felicity.
"Okay, we can do that. But on the condition that Tobin waits outside."
Tobin looked hurt. "What? Why?"
"Because it takes all the fun out of it when you explain how all the tricks are done," Milo explained. "Don't worry, we won't be long."
Before his brother could protest Milo took Felicity's hand and they ran off together across the slush. Tobin watched them go, feeling abandoned. Looking at the their backs as they hurried away he knew this would be a sight he saw more of. He did not really begrudge their relationship, after all he would be going to university himself shortly. But it was a sign they were changing; that their childhood was coming to an end.
Still, he would be damned if he was going to sit there and wait for them like a puppy. He walked back towards the great organ and saw a couple of familiar figures by a sweet-chestnut stand.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," Rosney said with a grin. "People will talk." At his side Katja gave Tobin a wave.
"Let them," he replied. He waved back at Katja. Solstice had been good for her, it seemed. She was wearing a new woolen coat, and matching gloves and scarf which had been embroidered with little pink flowers. Her blonde curls had been pushed away from her forehead by a hairband decorated with pink silk roses.
"Are you here alone?"
"I am now." He told them about the haunted house, something Rosney found funnier than Tobin thought he had right to.
"Nevermind, you can stay with us. We've been sent away too. After a week of everyone being stuck inside and getting under each other's feet it was a case of getting out when we could or risking escalating violence." They started walking down the row of stalls while Katja ran on ahead. "When are you planning to start lessons again?"
"Next week, hopefully. Provided the snow stays away. Is it always this cold here?"
"This is a particularly bad winter," Rosney admitted. "I take it you didn't get to go home?"
Tobin shook his head. "Not yet. But things weren't as bad as I feared. What about you, did you enjoy Solstice?"
"Definitely!" he replied with a grin. "We ate too much, drank too much and then spent the next day wondering whether the hangover or the indigestion was going to kill us first. Good times."
They were passing close to the entrance of the park and Tobin spotted a group of people gathered in the same place he had seen them a couple of weeks ago. He turned to Rosney.
"Do you know what's going on over there
Rosney followed his gaze and nodded.
"That's Matthias Holt," he said, pointing to the figure standing on the box. "He's getting quite a following these days; that doesn't bode well."
"Why? Who is he?"
"He claims to be a sailor from the Rhetland ship that sank a couple of years ago. He showed up last summer and just started talking to anyone who would listen. That was nobody at first, but I see more people there every time I come past."
"What is he talking to them about?"
"He's against the sorceresses. Apparently, they don't have them in his country and he believes that we are weak and reliant on them. He thinks we should do more with our hands, rather than relying on magic."
Tobin nodded; he had similar opinions himself.
"Of course, this talk pisses off those who think we should be making more use of magic and of course the church, not to mention the sorceresses themselves. To be honest I'm surprised he's lasted this long; I'd put money on him having an accident if you know what I mean. They've arrested him a couple of times, but talking isn't a crime, and he never actually incites violence. Of course his followers and his enemies take every opportunity to knock heads. One of these days its going to end up a full blown riot."
"Where do you stand?" Tobin enquired curiously.
"On sorceresses? As far away as possible. Magic or technology, it doesn't bother me. But the fervour some of these men show to one side or the other, its downright scary." He looked around suddenly. "Hey, do you see Kat?"
Tobin shook his head: the little girl was nowhere in sight. Rosney sighed.
"I swear that girl is going to turn my hair grey before I reach twenty."
"She can't have gone far," he said, trying to be reassuring.
"That's not what worries me. She's got a funny attitude to personal property; she'll just take whatever she wants if you don't watch her. I swear she thinks she's royalty sometimes. But whatever she thinks she is, its not going to stop her getting arrested."
"They wouldn't lock a little child up, surely?"
"Don't believe a word of it. They'll lock up any kid they want and leave them to rot if they want." He sounded angry. "Come on, let's just find her."
After a frantic search they found her standing in front of a sweet stall staring up at a row of toffee-apples with wide eyes. Rosney grabbed her wrist and pulled her round to face him, then began to lecture her angrily about running off. He seemed almost a different person when dealing with the girl, Tobin thought: older and more mature.
Katja's eyes were full of tears by the time Tobin stepped in. It was obvious she wanted to explain herself, but without being able to speak she had no way to do so.
"Peace?" Tobin suggested, handing each of them a toffee-apple. At first Rosney looked angry at being interrupted, the accepted the gift with a tired smile.
"Friends again?" he asked Katja who responded by throwing her arms around him. "I'll take that as a yes. I only got angry because I was worried about you, you understand that, right?"
She nodded, then turned her attention to the treat in her hands.
"I should go," Tobin commented. "Milo will be looking for me by now."
Rosney nodded. "Well then, I shall see you next week then."
They parted and Tobin headed back in the direction of the haunted house. He found Milo coming round the carousel.
"Where did you go?"
Tobin shrugged. "I was hungry," he replied, gesturing at the toffee-apple. "How was it?"
"Not great, to be honest. I could have told you how most of the tricks were done."
"They must have been hardly trying at all, then," Tobin teased. Felicity had wandered off to look at the stalls ahead.
"Still, enough of them worked on Felicity for it to be worthwhile," Milo admitted when she was out of earshot. "There was one point, where a skeleton leaps out of a closet, where she pretty much threw herself into my arms."
"Scandalous!" Tobin commented dryly. "You two carry on like that and people will talk."
Milo blushed slightly. "I don't really mind."
"So you think that you and her will get married?"
His brother held up his hands. "Not anytime soon!" His voice softened. "But, maybe, some day. Perhaps. Providing her father approves of course."
Tobin laughed. "You have the dopiest expression on your face right now."
"Do not!"
"Yes you do." He saw Felicity walking back towards them. "Why don't we ask the future Mrs Whitlaw what she thinks about it?"
Milo blushed so hard the tips of his ears glowed crimson. "You shut your mouth!" he hissed.
Felicity raised a delicate arched eyebrow. "What are you two arguing about?" she demanded.
"We're not arguing," Tobin replied. "I was just pointing out to my brother that he is a hopeless romantic."
"I don't think that's anything to be ashamed of," she replied, patting Milo's hand. "No matter what anyone else says, don't change a thing about yourself."
They walked slowly back through the stalls and stopped to feed the swans on the lake with seed bought from a little toothless man in a park-keeper's uniform that looked almost as old as he was. They were near the group listening to Matthias Holt and some of his words floated over on the cold air. Felicity shuddered.
"Why the police do not arrest that filthy little man I do not know," she grumbled.
"Why? He's not really doing anything illegal, is he?" Tobin asked, remembering his earlier conversation with Rosney.
"That's beside the point!" she snapped. "He's inciting people to break the natural order of things on Tobermoerai. The sorceresses are part of who we are as a people, aside from anything else. To remove them from society would be as stupid as...as cutting off your own hand," she finished vehemently.