Chapter 80: It Gets Weird

Chapter 80: It Gets Weird

Tori couldnt remember seeing that much snow at once outside her window. Growing up in California, shed only see that much if she headed up the mountains during winter. Shed never had to wake up to snow, shovel it, or somehow defrost her car before using it, as she was told by friends from Canada and Minnesota. To her, snow was a novelty.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

But she was well aware of how troublesome, if not dangerous it could be in enormous quantities at once.

Ive never seen so much snow. Ewan sat across from her at their little table next to the windows on the ground floor of one of Axtons inns. It was located midway through the Mezzaluna mountains that separated Sur from the Alvere Duchy.

When they left Presidio to return to Horizon with Sebastian, the main road that had been closed on the way down was opened once more. However, they did not foresee a sudden snowstorm that brought their, and dozens of others, trek to Horizon to a standstill.

Tori counted themselves lucky that they managed to get to Axtons inn before the storm really rolled in. At the very least, their party had shelter.

It doesnt snow this much in Horizon, does it? Tori asked, looking across the table. Ewans eyes were fixed out the window with a look of awe and worry.

At the most, we get a dusting of snow. I can remember two snowstorms in my entire life where it covered the street, but usually, the snow is so sparse that it melts away by midday, Ewan said, looking over at her. If you look towards the mountains, youll see snow, but very rarely in the city.

Tori took a deep breath and pursed her lips. It began to snow as they made their way up and at first, the knights and driver thought it would be a light snowfall. Something that would cover the ground, but not be detrimental to travel. They were wrong.

The wind came in, blowing snow at an angle, and the snowfall was so thick, that by the time they got to the inn, they were calf-deep in snow and could barely see the inn from a few paces away. How the driver was able to remember its location and get them so close was a miracle.

How long do you think itll last? Tori asked. Ewan shook his head once more.

I dont know. Ive never been in a snowstorm in the mountains. There was a nervousness in his voice and, though she tried to pretend otherwise, Tori was nervous as well. This wasnt her modern world with modern technology and structurally reinforced buildings designed to withstand massive snowfall. She had no way of knowing how long the storm would last.

She couldnt help but think about whether or not theyd have enough food, clean water, or wood to keep the hearths in the inn warm. Tori had carnelian on her, as she knew it would be cold coming back, but it wasnt enough to keep everyone warm.

Im sure well be fine. Tori smiled, but her stomach still twisted with dread.

You will be fine, an amused voice chuckled above them and they looked up to see the manager of the inn, a man likely in his early thirties, approaching them with hot drinks. This isnt the first snowstorm our inn has seen.

He put a cup of dark liquid in front of each of them and then a small separate cup of milk. Tori gave him a grateful smile. Thank you, Mr. Felmoore. How much is the coffee?

Nathorios Felmoore shook his head and held the tray under his arm. No charge. How can I charge Master Nassauns sister? He gave them a warm smile. If you want some more, let me know. You kids have to keep yourselves warm.

Ewan and Tori thanked him once more before taking turns putting milk in their drinks. Hey, Tori....

This better not be about a chilling charm, Ewan. Its freezing outside. Tori sent him a small glare and he shook his head.

I can drink coffee like normal, Ewan said, wrinkling his nose. He looked out the window once more. I was just thinking that we wont get back to Horizon when we planned.

Tori inhaled deeply and let out a sigh as she followed his gaze outside, into the wintry night on the other side of the window. I dont think we will either. We cant travel in this weather. She looked back at him and furrowed her brows. Did you call your parents to tell them?

Ewan shrunk back and shook his head. He brought his coffee up to his lips and took a sip. Not yet. I dont want to tell them until we have some idea of when well be able to continue.

Tori let out a hum of agreement. She hadnt called her parents either.

Heavy thudding came from the doors of the inn and half the people gathered in the lobby, sitting around by the hearth, and drinking like they were, turned towards the door. Mr. Felmoore walked from around the front desk and unlocked the door. He seemed to brace himself before he turned the lever and pulled it open.

Tori and Ewan immediately shuddered and looked away as a frigid wind blew in through the narrow space between the door and the doorframe. Perhaps they made a mistake sitting at the table directly in line of where the door would open.

Several figures, bundled in multiple layers, hats, scarves, and leather gloves slipped into the lobby. Mr. Felmoore pushed the thick door closed against the wind and slid the mechanisms in place to lock it while the three men who entered stood at the entryway and brushed off the snow on their clothes.

One man lifted his gloved hands and moved the thick hat from his head and unwound a scarf from his face. Tori and Ewan watched as he shook the snow off his hat and gloves before stomping his boots on the wooden floor and making his way over.

Well, there is some unwelcome news, Sebastian said as he reached them. Tori pushed her untouched coffee towards her brother, and he gave her a thankful look before happily gathering the warm mug in his hands and blowing over the top. Tori and Ewan waited until he was able to take a drink. We talked to some locals we passed, and they dont think this storm will last more than two days.

Two days? the two chorused. Disbelief filled their faces and Tori began to calculate how much time theyd lose if they were stranded for two days. And that was as a best-case scenario.

Sebastian put the mug down and lifted his hand. He gave them a nod. I know, but thats apparently not too bad. At the very least, we made it to an inn. We have shelter, food, and water. Well be fine here.

Tori nodded. I suppose two days of additional travel isnt that bad.

Her brother cringed and seemed to pause. Thats just until the storm passes. After that, there is the matter of clearing the snow off the main road to make it suitable for travel. I dont know how much snow will pile up, but its not a miniscule amount.

Ewan and Tori both narrowed their eyes. How long does it take to clear the roads? Ewan asked, almost hesitant to hear the answer.

Sebastian gave them a pitying look. Another day or two.

At once, the two teenagers let out groans of protest. Tori lifted her hand and ran it down her face. So, four days, if were lucky?

Maybe five, Sebastian said in a regretful voice. Toris eyes rose and met his.

What do you mean?

Some travelers coming from the other direction have noted that there are already some fallen trees on the road. When the storm passes, those trees will need to be cleared. I dont know the extent of what needs to be done, but we may be delayed up to a week.

Ewan knit his brows together and seemed to mentally count the dates. His eyes widened. Then wed barely reach Horizon just before Lyce starts!

I know, Sebastian said, taking a deep breath. Ewan, you should call your parents and let them know. Well still make it back in time, as long as another storm doesnt hit.

Dont even bring up the possibility. Tori ran a hand down her face and slumped back against her seat. She narrowed her eyes. Im going to miss the Prime Ministers new years party and I had told Madam Guthry that I was going to attend.

Were you going to escort His Highness again? Ewan asked. Tori shook her head.

I wasnt going to escort him, but I was going to keep him company since hes attending as well. Maybe follow as hes going around doing greetings to make sure he doesnt get overwhelmed. Tori looked at Ewan and her brother. Piers made a good impression on the various elites that attended last year, so we were hoping hed go this year to further establish himself. She lifted her hand and rubbed her forehead. But its still a large party and I dont know if hell be able to handle it by himself.

What about asking Albert? Ewan suggested. Hes an aristocrat.

He has to be invited, Tori said. Ilyana, Henrik, and Albert all qualify, but they have to be invited. I cant just throw my invitation at someone else and make them keep an eye on Piers.

Sebastian raised a brow as he drank his coffee. Did he have any problems last year?

Tori shook her head. No, but I was with him last year. And recently, there was that whole thing with the Ward daughter who followed him after a guest lecture at Universit. Hell likely bring a knight with him, but thats not the same. I also dont want to have to force one of the others to watch Piers.

There has to be someone you can ask, Ewan said, knitting his brows together.

Tori shut her eyes tight. There was one person who was definitely invited and would actually be a useful pawn in maneuvering attention away from Piers. She just didnt like him and didnt think Piers would be happy with it.

Okay...Im going to have to make a call.

No.

Piers, hes invited.

I can go alone. Piers sounded firm, but Tori took a deep breath. As much as she wanted to believe hed be able to go to the Prime Ministers party unescorted and be perfectly able to handle himself, she didnt have that much confidence.

What if youre overwhelmed again? Tori asked.

I can bring a knight with me. Ive had them around me while Axton is at training and youre in Sur, Piers told her. She was glad that he had that option, but all she could picture was a knight body slamming an aristocrat away at the slightest sign of Piers discomfort.

Sir Dobchek and the others had been much more attentive than normal after a recent lecture and an encounter that led to Piers last panic attack.

You also have the option of not attending, Tori told him. She didnt want to bring it up, but she didnt want to force him to go alone, either.

No, I need to go, Piers said. She could hear the stubborn determination in his voice. I need to make my social rounds and make myself visible to the Prime Minister, his peers, and others who will be attending the party.

Thats true, but I cant help but worry. I think wed all feel more comfortable there if you had someone with you just to help defuse any awkward situations, or be a distraction so you can leave if you start to become overwhelmed or suffocated by the environment, Tori said.

What about Mr. Martin?

She heard his low, light laugh. I also like it better when youre here.

Im going to train Albert on how to do this when I get back, Tori muttered.

Also Mr. Skuldsen. Piers paused for a moment. Hell do it for money.

It was colder than normal in Horizon than he expected. Last year, the first snowfall of the season hadnt come down until Lyce started, but this year, there were still a few days left and already there was enough snow on the ground to leave footprints in. Montan shuddered and pulled his coat closer to his body.

On the outside, the coat looked expensive and warm, but the material was subpar: a thinner, looser weave, and if one looked close enough, they could see where some of the stitching had come undone. He knew that most people wouldnt notice, which was why he wore it. It was also the only coat hed brought aside from his Lyce cloak, but no self-respecting son of a duke would wear his school uniform when he was out of school.

His mother absolutely forbade him to, telling him that it would make them look bad.

Montan bitterly held back the question: was there anything that made them look good?

However, he still did as his mother barked into his ear while he had been home that winter break. As soon as his mother gave him the money shed saved, hed left Sun Garden to stay at a modest Horizon inn. He hated being in that ancient stone prison.

Thank you for accompanying me out today. Alessas bright smile at his side warmed his heart. He was glad that she contacted him when she returned. It gave him a reason to look forward to waking up.

You just arrived the other day. Did you have enough rest? Montan asked. I know you had to contract a carriage to bring you back and they are not always the most comfortable.

Her warm smile never faded, and she shook her head. Its fine! Our old carriage was also so bumpy. The contract carriage was much smoother.

Thats good to hear. Montan smiled as they walked along the shopping street together. Like him, Alessa was also lacking in funds, though he never told her about his own poverty. Everyone thought he was a wealthy young master of a Duchy, but the truth was, they didnt have a lot of money.

How his mother even managed to pass him a pouch of gold coins every time he went home was a mystery, and one he didnt want to look into. At the very least, it helped him give the appearance of the wealthy dukes son. Unfortunately, his half-brother had declared his intent to take the title from their father.

It was impossible that his half-brother would be denied the title. His half-brother was the only one who had Alvere blood. Montan was silently counting the days when they would be kicked out of Sun Garden.

I couldnt stay at the manor any longer. Alessa lowered her eyes and fixed them on the ground as they walked. Her eyes crinkled up and she gave a small shake of her head. My father...he just wont listen to me.

Montan glanced over at her and felt his heart ache. He understood that feeling. Is that why you left earlier?

Alessa nodded. She looked up with red eyes. How could I stay at the manor? My father and I kept arguing. Nearly every day, we argued. She narrowed her eyes, and a disgusted look filled her face. Sometimes, I wish I never left. If I were there, he wouldnt have been caught by her.

The woman who makes bricks? Montan recalled Alessa talking about that woman with anger and frustration.

She nodded. My father is now openly courting Madam Voss. She bit her lips as tears rimmed her eyes. I couldnt believe it. Id only been away a few months. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldnt listen. She sniffled and narrowed her eyes. I told him that he had to pick between me and Madam Voss.

Montan looked surprised. He looked at her with wide eyes. What did your father say?

Alessas face reddened, and she lifted her hands to wipe at her eyes. He wanted to know why he had to choose. He asked me why I hate Madam Voss so much, but isnt it obvious?

She looked at Montan, as if asking him to confirm. He nodded and looked ahead of him, disgust, and anger also on his face.

Commoner women who aim above their station will stop at nothing to get what they want, he said in a muffled voice. He looked at Alessa and reached for her arm to give her a comforting squeeze. You should be careful around her. You dont know what Madam Voss may do. He narrowed his eyes. Women like her, women in that position can be desperate.

Alessa seemed to pale at the thought before nodding her head.

I knew I couldnt trust her, she almost whispered. She looked at Montan with a serious expression. Only recently did her family come out of debt, but everyone in Chetterswickshire knew how badly they had been suffering without sales these last few years. I have no doubt that shes doing something questionable to pay off their debt. She shook her head and looked ahead of them, clenching her jaw. Ive asked Adrien to check on it. Im sure it has something to do with Lady Guevera.

The name made Montan scowl. Lady Guevera was everything he hated in the nobility. She was arrogant and waved her power and influence around, even going as far as to sue their school. Yet, somehow, she got away with it and everyone loved her for inexplicable reasons.

Even his half-brother.

Shes been doing whatever she wants recently, Montan said in a sharp voice. Simply because she has money and a family who supports her, she can take advantage of her position. None of us would ever be able to challenge her alone.

Alessa nodded and looked down.

I cant forgive her for what she said last year: for accusing me of spreading rumors about her, Alessa said. Her eyes were still red, and she looked pained as she spoke. I didnt do such a thing! I was only speaking about my observations. Its not my fault that others misunderstood what I was saying. She gave Montan a beseeching look and he nodded. I dont want to go back to school, Montan. I cant keep facing everyone.... She sniffled once more. Why did she accuse me of spreading lies?

I know you didnt spread any lies or rumors, Montan told her with confidence. Youre not that type of person.

I just wanted to go to school and get along with my classmates, Alessa said in a soft voice. Now, they wont even acknowledge my presence when Im next to them.

He shuddered. He knew the feeling of being directly in front of someone all too well, yet their eyes wouldnt even spare them a glance.

I understand, he said, barely able to keep his voice steady. And no matter how hard you try to earn their attention; no matter how good you are, they wont even look at you.

Well, this is a surprise. A deep voice reached his ears and almost immediately Montan felt his blood run cold. His head snapped up and he looked ahead of him. A tall, middle-aged man with curly dark hair stepped out of a shop and narrowed his eyes as he looked at Montan with almost casual disdain. So, this is where you went.

Montans face paled as he looked up at Duke Alvere. The man was dressed well, as always when he left Sun Garden. He looked every bit the part of a Duke. New clothes made from the finest materials. Where he got the money, Montan didnt know.

Fa-Duke Alvere. Montan corrected himself and lowered his head. His father didnt like to be called that. At least, not by him. Alessa was right beside him; he couldnt cower in the presence of his father. Not only would Alessa be worried, but the Duke would be furious and demand to know why he was acting strangely.

Montan still couldnt bring himself to look up.

Alessa seemed to look at him and then look at the Duke. She stood up straight and quickly stepped forward, gathering the sides of her modest dress before bowing her head.

Good afternoon, Duke Alvere. She greeted politely and kept a modest smile on her face as she lifted her head. My name is Alessa Hart, daughter of Baron Hart.

Montans eyes flickered up, unsure what he was expecting to see. His fathers eyes went up and down Alessas figure before appearing to sneer.

Oh...a noble. There was a strange distaste in his voice and Montan looked towards Alessa, hoping she didnt hear it. Duke Alvere let out a little scoff and turned his head away from Alessa. He walked towards Montan and Montan flinched as his father lowered his head to speak close to his ear. Youre more like your mother every day.

The mocking words made Montan shut his eyes and clench his jaw as Duke Alvere walked past. The door to the shop he had emerged from opened and a familiar woman rushed out. She wore a beautiful magenta dress and what appeared to be multiple necklaces bearing mismatched jewels.

There was some ostentatious ring on each of her fingers and her wide brimmed hat was large and elaborate to the point of embarrassment. It didnt even go with her dress.

The womans face was wrinkled and caked with a thick layer of make-up. Montan knew it was both to hide her face and any injuries. When she saw Montan, her face, which was once youthful and beautiful, lit up.

Montan! Are you out with your girlfriend?

Montans face reddened, and he shook his head. Beside him, Alessa flushed and also shook her head. No, Mother, this is my classmate, Lady Alessa Hart!

The pleasure in his mothers face made his stomach churn. Oh...a young noblewoman? Wonderful! Wonderful! She scrambled forward and grasped Alessas hand in hers. Montan had to restrain himself to keep from ripping his mother away. The woman leaned forward, looking at Alessas face. Oh...shes beautiful!

Alessa looked away, shy. Thank you, my lady.

Well, I must get going and join my husband, his mother said as she took Alessas hand and put it in Montans. She gave Alessa a kind look. Take good care of my son!

Mother, were not-

Good luck, my boy! His mother looked at him proudly. I know you can do better than that womans son.

Montan closed his eyes and looked away, unable to hide his shame. His mother released them and rushed after his father like a starving, loyal dog. When she passed him, he quietly removed his hand from Alessa.

I apologize, he said as he gave her a small nod of his head. My mother is...strange.

No, its fine! She seems very kind, Alessa said with another brilliant smile. She glanced back in the direction where his parents had walked, and her smile faltered a bit. Does your father not like me?

No, hes just been...bothered lately, Montan told her, forcing a careful smile. He pretended to look disinterested. Rumor has it that my half-brother is coming to claim the title of Duke Alvere, and it has upset my father.

Oh no! Alessa lifted her hand to her chest. Do you and your brother speak at all?

Montan shook his head. Circumstances keep us apart. What legitimate son would even look at his bastard brother after what happened? He continued to force his smile. Lets not focus on such a worrisome topic. Since were out today, we should go and check on your project. Has Mr. Rosiek helped you find carpenters to start building a classroom at the orphanage?

Alessas face lit up and she clapped her hands together. I believe so! Youre right, Montan! Lets go check!