Familys long loving arms

The road was so smooth Meren made up for lost sleep..the coach

::BJ had invited Meren to come to Ravenshire to evaluate the boy, and he had spoke to Mikel, who was understandably nervous::
Diana had remained awake... her sleep cycle was pretty predictable. She spent the trip making notes.

Bj sat with the boy in the solar, the best lighted room, he wascomfortably silent, l ed Mikel just wasn't interested in being looked at, and kept telling
BJ and Mali that he was "fine", but BJ kept firm in this decision.

Mali had done all sknew to do to make him comfortableto feel
more at ease.

Beast and son brked their fool heads off at the arrival of the
stange coach.

Diana wasn't dressed in her priestess robes. She did her
best to look unthreatening, a friend of the family. She smiled hearing Beast
approaching. "I'd forgotten about BJ's dogs."

Meren got her bag and took a deep breath of non frigid air..it
felt good. The two dogs came tearing out of the house, stopping up short and
barking until they saw Meren, then that barking changed to frantic tail
wagging::.

Meren gladly rubbed ears andsnuck them treats.

Diana trailed behind, taking part in the general greeting
of the dogs.

"where is the boss Beast?"Meren asked.fact the whole place was kinda quiet.

:Beast barked once and turned to head into the house, Junior
running circles around the two women a moment before following the other dog
in the house::
::The place was quiet, BJ had given most that worked there a
holiday, more to let the boy feel at ease during his exam and to keep anyone
from walking in on them::

Diana gave a small smile. "our dear Ranger keeps some
unusual guides"

::Not that they kept a high level of staff anyway.::

The two women followed he dogs..past the doors"anyone ome? Meren called out..didm't want to scare anyone.

:Grace stuck her head out, and a nod to the two women, she lived here anyway:: We are...Mikel and t'Ranger are in the solar.

Grace chuckled:: T'dogs know the way, they sleep in the sun enough
there.

Diana's smile grew wider. "It's only natural, many creatures are innately drawn to the gifts of the sun."

Meen nodded and followed the pir of bushy tails.looking about..the castle had taken on such a warm homey feeling
with Mali as its Lady.

::Beast and Jr did lead the ladies to the door of the solar, then they turned and sauntered off the other way::

Diana found minor amusement that her father was far more invested in titles and trappings of lordship, but it was BJ who lived in a
castle.

Meren knocked on the door and then peeked her hesd in"BJ?"

::BJ looked up from the treatise he was reading, and glanced over at Mikel, who shivered, he spoke softly:: Ye are safe, Mikel, remember
that...::then louder:: Aye, we are in here.

lowly Meren opened the door and Let Diana in first before she entered""we are here at last..your new toad was a lessingafter all that snow"

::a nod, and sets the treatise down, rising to greet the ladies:: I
am glad ye were able to make it.


::Mikel just shivered, and hunkered down trying to hide::

Meren smiled "and who is this ine young man in attendace?" giving
Mikel a cutsy.

Diana saw his reaction, and knelt down on one knee to be closer to his level. "Hello there, Mikel. My name is Diana. I'm a friend of
your family."

::the boy looked at BJ, so far away, and then Mikel just shrugged;:

"I'm the family physician...but i'm really kinda nice too..I'm Meren."

::the boy just looked at her, and then at BJ who gave a slight nod:: She is the Lady Doctor I spoke of, Mikel. She will not harm ye.

"where shall we do this BJ? she asked softly.

::BJ looked around:: Here should be fine enough. There is plenty of
light.

Meren nodded "a bright warm room ..Mikel I need to take off yourshirt,,is hat ok?"


::the boy just looked at BJ, who gave an encouraging nod, then gave a sigh and pulled off his shirt, balling it up in his lap::
Meren Anwa: Meren sat down in a comy chair and motioed him over "My husbands name is Michel too..he is also quite handsome as you are"
::Mikel gave a shy, reserved smile, and looking once more at BJ for
reassurance, he moved toward Meren::

Diana took general unobtrusive note of the boy's condition
as he moved to Meren.

SHe heldout her hands.motionining him to turn so she could get a good look at his back. her reaction was one of anger and hatred..for someone who would do this to any
living creature much less a child. He hadbeen beaten many times it seemed.the boy was reluctant to turn, but he let himself be guided, and
kept his head down::

"Diana love....for th scars to be erased I need you to do this"

::the boy started, and pulled away at Meren's words, running to BJ
and hiding behind him::

Meren emained calm..this was for her daughters skill to fix.

::BJ looked at Meren and Diana a moment, then down to Mikel::
Something wrong?

Diana nodded. She addressed the boy "Mikel? Do not be afraid. I am a cleric of Pelor... who is a god of healing and light. You
stand in one of his gifts right now. " She held out one of her hands in the
sunlight. "A cleric is someone with a special job. ... to act as a represenative of what
power they pledge to. " Thinking "Similar to how your father BJ here
represents the Kingdom, and the King.. he is trusted with power to influence
things, so long as he holds to the general ideas the King wants advanced. It is the same for me, yet I represent a god of healing. I am invested with the power
to heal your scars... forever... but... I would ask you to trust me to do so,
to choose to let it be done."

::Mikel nodded: J'said t'wouldn't hurt...

::BJ gave a slight smile, and a nod, listening to Diana::

Meren had to be honest, "Mikel..It would hut if I tended it...not if Diana does".

::BJ chuckled softly, influence was something he had but rarely
used, but the idea was the same::

He knelt down beside Mikel:: Remember what I told ye? This is not
something ye have to do, unless ye choose to do so. I needed Meren to examine ye, to make sure ye are all right, but
this...that will be up to ye.

The dark-hired doctor siled at the boy "a fine young man like you..this will be over in moments..thenyou can go play."

Diana smiled at him, her tri-colored blue eyes holdingonly kindness and patience.

::BJ watched Mikel for a long moment before the boy nodded, but he
spoke in a whisper to BJ:: It won't hurt?

Mali was pacing a path in th flagstone of the kitchen..Rae and
Jacob munched cookies while they all waited

::BJ shook his head negative, but looked to Diana and Meren for
confirmation::

Diana did just that "No. It may feel uncomfortable at first, because I must lay hands on you to cast the spell.. but after that, it will feel warm, like
a strong summer day. It may itch. Individual side effects vary. "

Meren winked" a Mikel "she is my favorite Healer"

::BJ nodded:: No, Mikel, it will not hurt.

::Mikel looked at Meren, then back at BJ.Yhe boy who had been so brave and self-sufficient at the age of six let it show that the bravery was
a sham:: Will you hold my hand?

::BJ nodded, and rose, offering the boy his hand:: Of course.

Meren dug in her bag andpulled out a paper wrapped package.."BJ did you want us to look over Rae and Jacob too"

Diana smiled sweetly, touched by how Bj and Mikal added.

She wished only she could heal the heart of the lad of it's wounds so easily.
That was harder, as she well knew.

::Mikel stood up straight, and looked a Diana finally, then he blinked, and got a bit of an odd look on his face, but he took his cues from BJ, who seemed unbothered by her appearance::

::Mikel nodded, as if to himself, and looked at Diana:: Okay.

::The Ranger gave a bit of a shrug:: Aye, if ye can, they have had
no problems.

"Id be happy too I miss them..Odette misses her tea party partner."

Diana caught his look as he met her eyes, and nodded.

"Yes. They're a little strange. My birth mother was on of the Fae. It
ultimently means little though, Mikel." She was already mentally preparing
her spell. It was a powerful one,and would take a good chunk of her ability.

::BJ had to smile:: As does Rae, she has been recruiting the beasts
and both the boys in her "tea parties".

Meren laughed" we must get them together" where are the children so
I may check them??".

::consdering the time, he gave a gesture:: They are either in the
gardens or in the kitchen.

looking itno her bag..she blinked the strangest expression crossed
her face

Diana reached out to Mikel, putting her fingertips lightly on his back shoulder with one hand... and held her holy symbol with the
other. She started casting the spell, intoning to Pelor in the celestial language.
Meren holding thebag carefully rose then "I will find them "Mikel find
me when Diana is done.."I have something for you"

Inside Meren's bag was a tiny dragon, with large coppe rcolored eyes and bright green scales. It was clutching a small mirror.

::Mikel nodded, but looked at BJ, who shrugged, he had no idea what
she was looking at::

::BJ just stood there, and held Mikel's hand while Diana cast,
watching the boy quietly::

Meren whispered on the way to the kitchen"buttonsyou are one naughty
dragon."

The dragon just made a small cooing noise, helpfully handing up the mirror.

Once in the kitchen she smiled..."chldren"..holding out her arms for them"how are you?"

::Rae and Jacob came running up to her, giving her hugs::

Diana finshed her spell... the boy's back was spotless,the wounds smoothed and regenerated.
If only the memory could be so fixed.::the "tightness" across his back was gone, that pulling feelingwas gone::

Meren hugged the wee ones "I have something for you..soon as Mikel joins us ok?"

Dians smiled and removed her fingers from mikel"There. You're free to go."

::Mikel scrambled to put his shirt back on, habit, then looked sheepish:: I'm better?::Bj nodded, and looked to Diana:: Thank ye...and aye, Mikel. Ye
are.

Diana took a moment to look him over, staring at him for about ten seconds in silence. "Yes. He's fine. No lingering infections orillnesses. Healthy as any other boy his age"

::Mikel gave her a smile, and then took off out of the room, looking for Mali and the others...he was adjusting well enough::Rae and Jacob got cleanbills of health too.

::a bow to Diana:: My thanks to ye, lady...would ye like to join us? Or ye are free to remain here in the Solar, or wherever ye would like to
go.

Michael Darkrose: "It's a beautiful solar, however I would be happy to join
you all. Family ties are important."

::Nods at that, and a gesture for her to go forward:: I do believethey are in the kitchen.

the laughter drifting from that direction would say yes.

::heads for the kitchen, moving easily through his own house::

Since it was far more his house than hers, Diana wascontent to follow.

Buttonsstarted playing Peekaboo with Jacob..popping up from his
place in Merens bag::Mikel came into the kitchen in time to see the dragon, and gave astartled yelp::Meren held out her hand to Mikel "come..meet Buttons."

Buttons made a smiliar sound at the yelp, and hid in Meren's bag.the next move was Mikels.

::BJ heard that, and just shook his head:: Oh no.Walking in to see Mikel step up to the bag and peek inside::
Michael Darkrose: Button looked up at him, copper eyes wide and shining.Meren reached in and pulled Buttons out "on your bestbehavior
young man."

Mikel looks at Meren:: What is he?

Buttons wrapped his green tail around Meren's wrist,sitting on her hand. He looked at Mikel, and made a birdlike noise.
Meren laughed "he is a babydragon." leaving out the part of his being a hopeless thief.

::BJ came to the door in time to hear that, and he shook his head:
He had best be here only for a visit.

B:Mikel reached his hand inside the bag, carefully...ready to
snatch his hand back if it bit, but curious::

Buttons extended a paw to Mikel in greeting.

::Mikel shook his paw, and grinned::

MButtons made a low whistle chirp noise as they shook paws,lowering his head to nuzzle Mikel's hand.

he put his paws behind his back being mannerly thendove downinto the bag and reappeared eith three brightly colored pieces of hard stick candy..one for each child "we stopped by lilias candy store" Meren offered.

::Mikel didn't know what to make of the stick candy, and looked at
Mali and BJ::Diana looked at Mikel. Had he never had candy? That'struly sad. It was probably just as well Diana didn't know where the people
who did this were.

mali laughed at the dragon"go ahead loves..its ok to have the
gift"

::he had had candy, it had just been so long he didn't remember,but he gingerly took the offered candy:: T'ank youonce the candy was gone Buttons licked his paws clean and with some help pulled out a brightly wrapped box for Mali..delivered with a bow and flourish..chocolates for her and grace.

::BJ just watched quietly::

Diana and Meren tayed for dinner and had a lovely visit bedore heading north to home and that miserable snow and ice. well he babies would help her forget about the cold soon.
(tbc)

::BJ had gone looking for Ikar at the Port of Land's End, and found the man
in his office at the docks. The Ranger stepped in, hearing the soft tinkle of
the bell above the door announcing his entrance. He lowered the hood of his
cloak and looked about, noting the ledgers on the wall, a well-rendered map of
Solurius, the Lion's Isle, and the mainland framed on the main wall, with
shipping routes clearly marked, as well as reefs and other hazards. Next to that
was a board with names of vessels and times chalked in. Ikar came around to see
BJ, and spoke up::

Hullo, Ranger. I got your message, what can I do for ye? ::Ikar came over,
and moved to the samovar, something that had come on one of the ships that Ikar
seemed quite familiar with using.:: Cup of tea, Ranger?

::BJ turned to look at Ikar, and a small smile, a bow of his head:: Aye,
that would be welcome.

::The elf watched as Ikar made tea, and then the two settled into chairs.::
I have a bit of a problem, Ikar, that I believe ye are going to be most well
suited to handle.

::He proceeded to tell Ikar about Mikel, his injuries, Meren's exam, and
Diana's interventions:: Ikar...I know your history, and perhaps one who has been
through such would be able to talk to him. The boy seems to be adjusting well,
but he will not speak to us about what happened. Perhaps...

::Ikar nodded in agreement:: Aye, I could speak to him...tomorrow I am due
to take care of a few things at home, there are no ships coming into port for
another two days. Perhaps ye could bring him by?

::That was agreeable to the elf and he nodded as he finished his tea:: Aye,
perhaps I might bring Mali, Rae, and Jacob to see your family.

::BJ rose from his chair, and gave a nod to Ikar:: I shall bring them on
the morrow, and let ye speak with Mikel alone. Perhaps ye can bring some peace
to the boy. Thank ye, for the tea, Ikar.

::The Ranger left the way he had come in, quietly.::

::BJ, Mali, and the children had come to visit the Steward
and her family…Mali and BJ had been in agreeance that Mikel needed to speak to
Ikar. He was in the stables, on his days off he still enjoyed working with the horses,
and it was the first warm day in a while.::


::The boy had not once opened up about what happened to him,
but he was a bit more social and accepting.::


::BJ’s family had arrived not long ago, and were visiting
with Isabella and her brood, introductions around for Mikel before BJ pulled
him aside quietly. Mali had brought things for Ibbe and the children…baked
goods, clothes, toys. Begging Ibbe’s forgiveness if it felt like charity. Mali
just loved to give gifts and spoil children. Ibbe was not a snob and gratefully
thanked her for everything including her friendship. BJ had a mind to check and
see if he needed to up Isabella’s salary, but he knew the independent woman
would only take what she needed anyway.::


::BJ gave a nod to the ladies, and led Mikel down around the
building, toward the stable. The Ranger spoke quietly to the boy.:: There is
one I would like ye to meet, Mikel…


::The animals were eager to meet the boy, and noisy about
it.::


One? ::confused :: One what?


::BJ realized how vague that sounded:: A friend of mine,
Mikel…a human, and…someone who has a unique perspective.


::The boy showed his curious fearful interest. Ikar was mucking
out the stables, and it was warm in there, so he did as he normally would on a
summer’s day, and worked bare from the waist up, his hair had been tied back
neatly, but now had strays, and bits of hay stuck to it. BJ stepped up into the
open doorway of the stables with Mikel beside him, and spoke up:: Ikar, are ye
there?


::Ikar looked up, and stepped from inside one of the stalls,
good-naturedly pushing his hair out of his eyes:: Hail, Ranger. Is this the boy
ye spoke of?


::Mikel looked completely at home in the aromatic barn…eyes
clearing assessing its condition and did not find it lacking, BJ nodded, and
looked to Mikel:: I shall give the two of ye some time…I think I need to rescue
Jacob before he becomes a tea party candidate.


::Ikar grinned, and gave a soft laugh:: Aye, the girls are
sure to recruit him if ye do not get to him first.


::Ikar reached for a towel and dusted/dried himself off, it
was quite warm in the barn, and the work, while not strenuous, was intensive.
Mikel withdrew some, closer to the big door. Ikar studied the boy as he does,
and gives another grin.:: I do not bite…Mikel, is it? Ye can come closer. I
have a few friends who might like to meet ye.


::A full on tea party was in session…and even the big girls
were savoring the sweetened brew.::





::At the word “friends”, four horsey heads popped over their
stalls. Ikar did not have the same way with animals Bj did, but he knew enough.
He rubbed the closest beast’s nose, and settled on a hay bale, facing Mikel.::
This is as good a time as any for me to take a break, I do not have much left
to do but I have been working here most of the day.


::Mikel looked panicked at the mention of “friends”…as if it
were painfully familiar to him, but the horses relaxed him, made him smile and
step up to rub the velvet muzzle. Ikar was comfortable with the boy’s silence,
but noticed the pained look.:: Isabella has a young man who comes in to do it,
but…this was one of my first jobs when I came to Solurius, and it is
comforting, in a way, to return to one’s beginnings. Ye can come closer, ye
know, they would like to meet ye…and doubly so if ye have any treats.


::Mikel looked sad, his pockets were empty of any sweets or
treats. Ikar rambled on:: I do not work for the Ranger, of course, I knew him
from…a time before, but I did work for the Lady doctor, Lady Meren. Still do. I
am not sure what she saw in me, but she gave me a job, a place to stay…and a
purpose here where before I had been lost.


::Ikar chuckled softly, and pointed to a jacket that hung on
a peg by the door:: Check my pockets, Mike, ye might find some.


::The boy hesitated even with permission but did find some
molasses candy and showed it to Ikar before offering any to the first horse.::


::Ikar nodded:: Aye, that beast there ye are meeting is
Critter…


::He chuckled softly as he picked hay from his pants,
watching Mikel.:: That was his name he came with, before ye ask.


::Ikar gestured to the one next to him:: That is SunCloud,
due to his pattern…across the way is Driven, because of how he rides, and this
one here is Spoiled Rotten.


::The boy chuckled and held out his open palm to the curious
nose.:: Critter…it fits.


::The names fit the animals’ personalities quite well, and
Ikar nodded.:: Aye, they do.


::The candy went to all of them first before SR, as he
called him, just to ensure the others got some. Ikar watched the boy quietly as
he fed the animals, and spoke softly.:: The Ranger asked me to speak to ye, but
do ye know why?


He says he is worried about me. ::The only ones who ever
worried about him before were his Ma and Da.::


::Ikar nodded at that:: Aye, he is…


::He touched over his heart:: He knows something is wrong
here…and that ye will not speak of it.


They told me if I said anything, they would kill more folks
and beat me again but worse.


The Ranger has had his share of difficulties, but those are
his to tell. But the scars he carries still are more physical than emotional.
::Ikar looked at Mikel, not quite understanding:: Who said that to ye? And if
ye did speak up, how would they know ye are here? Ye are protected here, Mikel…even
if ye do not believe us when we say that.


They gots eyes everywhere, even in the trees…they are very
mean men.


::Ikar tilted his head, listening to the boy:: How did ye
get to Ravenshire, Mikel?


On a ship. ::Starting to look around expecting sudden
attack::


::Ikar nodded:: As did I…do ye know from where?


::He looked around with the boy, but all is safe, and well,
if a bit noisy. Although Ikar had arrived to Solurius by boat, not Ravenshire,
but it was a small difference. He spoke softly:: They cannot hurt ye hear,
Mikel.


They can hurt me, but I wont let Bj and Mali be hurt…stop
asking please?


::Ikar rose:: I will not stop asking, Mikel. Because BJ
needs to know and I owe the Ranger a debt I will never be able to repay. Ye
have not seen him spar yet, have ye?


::He gave a laugh, short:: He can handle himself, and that
spitfire lass of his is the same way, she can take care of herself.


::Like a mother bear with cubs, Ikar thought, but wasn’t
about to say it. She really wanted the fools who hurt Mikel…show them what real
pain was. Ikar took a deep breath, slowly let it out.:: Ye cannot keep this
bottled up within, it will slowly eat away at you until there is nothing left.


::Still quietly:: I know this…BJ knows this as well. We have
been there, Mikel. Both of us.


What will I do if they get BJ and Mali?


::Ikar gave a bit of a smile, understanding.:: I tell ye
they will not. And if they do…then ye can live here with us. Or the Lady Doctor
will take ye in…but ye need to know ye are not alone anymore, Mikel.


::Mikel nodded slowly, the emotional pot in him was on the
verge of boiling over. His childhood destroyed..family butchered…any hope of a
future lay in the heavy shadows of threats…and there was nothing he could do
but fear it. Ikar sighed softly, and turned away from the boy to reach for the
rake, he might as well work while they talked…his back in full view of the boy.
Once it had bothered Ikar to show it to anyone, but he had learned to accept
it, and now the webbed network of scars no longer bothered him::


They did it to you too.


::Inside the house all was peaceful, a tea party with a moist
nut cake that Jacob declared perfect. Ikar looked back at Mikel at his
declaration:: Who did?


Your back.


::Ikar shrugged, his back to the boy, his voice quiet:: That
was a long time ago…and not so long time ago. As the Ranger told ye, I have a…unique
perspective to your case.


Did you pay them back?


::Ikar turned once more to look at Mikel, and leaned on his
rake:: No. I did not. The first time…I was perhaps twice your age, and
overprotective for a slave. I was sold before I could have vengeance, but I was
lucky, my new master was a much kinder man. He gave me my freedom. As for the
later time…I was in no state to fight, I could not even stand. The Ranger took
that honor, though if ye ask him, it was a necessity, not an honor.


::The boy’s gaze turned toward the house:: Is BJ my new
master?


::Ikar couldn’t help it, he gave a short, barking laugh,
good thing he was leaning on the rake or he might fall down at the thought::
Oh, no, Mikel!


::Ikar knew the ranger would never find that funny, and
sobered:: He is no one’s master, even if he is the Viscount of Land’s End. And
he will be the first to deny his mastery of anyone. Ye are your own freeman,
your own master…or at least ye will be when ye come of age. For now perhaps ye
would be considered a ward of the Court…until ye come of age. Tell me, Mikel,
has BJ said *anything* to ye about being a slave?


So they’re not my family after all? ::It was so confusion…his
heart would…could not let go of his real family, the dead one, but this one
sure felt nice.::


I am sure he has given ye the rules of the house, and the
duties of a member of his family, but everyone must abide by those. ::Ikar
shook his head, the boy was confused:: Mikel…they are your family if ye wish
it.


::He watched the boy carefully:: The Ranger has told me that
your parents are no longer among the living…and that is a heavy burden to bear.
In time it will get better, the memories, the pain will fade, grow fuzzy,
thought it will never completely go away.


::MIkel nodded and grew silent, sadness fell over him like
it had not in some days. Ikar spoke from experience in this matter…it seemed
that memories he wanted to keep had been taken from him, and those he did not
want stayed sharp and painful. He moved forward, setting the rake against the
wall, and indicates a hay bale across from the one he settled on.:: Will ye
tell me what happened to ye?


::Mikel shook his head and shuffled toward the house.::


::Sharper than he intended, Ikar spoke:: Mikel!


::Mikel stopped short and cringed, trembling. Ikar spoke
softly:: Come back here. Please.


::Head low, hands tightly clasped Mikel returned. Ikar
watched the boy, and just shook his head:: Sit down…please.


::He sat as far from Ikar as he felt safe to go. Ikar shook
his head:: Ye are a whipped pup.


::It was said softly, sadly, watching the boy. Ikar quietly
leaned forward on the hay bale, putting his elbows on his knees, his hands
clasped loosely in front of him.:: Mikel, we will help ye regardless of what ye
tell us, but we will be better prepared if ye answer the questions we ask.


::Ibbe watched from the kitchen door, wanting to go gather
the boy close and keep him safe. Ikar continued:: Because ye are here, and not
in the Solurius orphanage, tells me that BJ and Mali have already found a space
for ye in their home, and their hearts. I know they will never replace your
parents, nor do I think they want that. But I do think they want to protect ye,
and keep ye safe, and perhaps “pay back” the men who hurt ye.


::Ikar spoke more softly, so the boy had to listen closely::
But they cannot do that without ye telling them who did this. I understand
Diana has removed your injuries…and at your age, that is a good thing.


::He shrugged:: As for me, I have lived with my scars for so
long…they are a part of me, a part of who I am, and who I have become.


They came in the dark of night…first I heard my dog cry out
they killed him, then broke the door in and plunged a dagger in to my da’s
chest, carried my mother and sister off. Killed my baby brother, broke his neck
like a chicken, then I heard them scream.


::Ikar closed his eyes as the boy’s words come out in a
rush, a dam breaking, and he can picture it, can hear their screams in his
head. He fell silent, letting the boy speak.::


My ma and sister…a sick choking sound, then silence as one
man grabbed me and boxed my ears till they rang, but I heard ‘em say cap’n,
they all be dead but this ‘un.


::Ikar considered, that was odd behavior for a slaver crew,
but says nothing, just letting the boy continue.::


Next I knew I woke up in the belly of a foul smelling ship.
::The boy’s shoulders shook with sobs and Ibbe came out.::


Enough Ikar, let him get his breath. ::She took Mikel’s hand
and led him inside…no nonsense, no fear and sat him down to tea and food. Ikar
looked up at Ibbe, and gave a nod. By the time to go, Mikel was calmer, and
appeared exhausted. Ikar watched BJ come around the side of the stable as he
picked up his rake again, and attacked an empty stall. He did not pause in his
work this time, trying to calm his anger through activity.::


How much did ye hear, Ranger?


::BJ watched Ikar, and fed a sugar cube to each of the
horses, Spoiled Rotten last:: Enough to understand what has the boy so upset.


::Ikar glanced at BJ:: His coloring is Nordic, but I did not
think the slavers ran that far north, too cold, too difficult to get through
the ice.


::Mali was in the coach with the children, Mikel’s head on
her lab rubbing his shoulder. The elf shrugged:: I would not know, but if they
did put in at Ravenshire I may be able to find the name of their ship, and
perhaps this captain.


::Ikar nodded, and finally stopped attacking the stall to
turn and look at BJ:: Ikar, I need another favor from ye, if I can.


Aye, Ranger…name it.


::BJ took a breath, and glanced out toward the coach where
he knew they waited.:: Keep an eye out at the port here, aye? Let me know if ye
find any ships carrying…questionable cargo?


::Ikar nodded:: Agreed.


::Jacob sat on the coach floor on a blanket and reached up
to hold Mikel’s hand in his so he wouldn’t be afraid. BJ just gave a nod::
Thank ye, Ikar…I have a feeling that now he has opened up, he will start to do
more.


::BJ stepped out, and spoke quietly, just out of Ikar’s
hearing:: Any debt ye ever had has been repaid.


::BJ moved quickly to the coach, and swung inside, rapping
on the roof to get them moving. As it jerked into motion, Mikel gripped Jacob’s
hand tighter. BJ just watched Mikel until they were on the road proper, and
heading away from Ikar and Ibbe’s. The Ranger spoke quietly:: If I find these
men, Mikel…these who have hurt ye…what do ye wish me to do with them?


::Mikel murmured “an eye for an eye” and sleep pulled him
down once again. BJ nodded…with a thought that the boy’s answer was completely
appropriate, and he looked to Mali:: Agreed?


::She nodded, it was only fair. BJ nodded, and leaned back
on his side of the carriage, his mind turning the problem over, planning. Rae
crawled up into her daddy’s lap and rested her head on his shoulder.:: It’ll be
okay, you’ll fix it.


::BJ put his arm around her, and looked at Mikel, then
Mali:: Aye…I will.