Chapter 39

Chapter 39

The sun was getting low in the sky when I returned, so I headed out, crossing the lake in my canoe. When I entered the tavern in Omark, Maxwells music filled the space. He stood on the stage, not using his magic, just strumming a tune on his lute that he quietly sang a soft melody to.

Maxwell nodded to me in acknowledgment, gesturing at a table that hed claimed near the stage. I waved to the barkeep and headed over to the table.

Hi, Zeke, the waitress, Sarah, smiled. She had short, curly blonde hair and a curvy figure that drew a lot of attention from the men who hung out in the tavern. What do you want?

Your strongest drink, I grinned.

No food? Sarah asked.

Not today, Im not very hungry, I assured her.

Sarah headed off to fetch me a drink, and returned just as Maxwell was coming to the table. This is a local stout, not the best tasting, but quite strong, Sarah warned.

Thanks. I handed her payment for the drink and she left. I pulled out a small vial of holy water, and discreetly poured it into the beer.

She sure is cute, Maxwell said, watching Sarah walk away.

That she is, I agreed. If I still had the urge, might be something I pursued.

So, you dont mind if I do then? Maxwell asked.

If you think you can swing it. I raised an eyebrow at him. Do you know how many people hit on her every night?

Who can blame them? Maxwell chuckled.

Youre terrible. I took a long drink of my beer, watching the tavern.

I didnt often hang out here, other than stopping by to drop off or pick up supplies the barkeeper needed or sold. It was nice to spend the night in here. The chatter around the tavern made it lively, and after spending so long alone, it was a nice change.

Maxwell and I spent the night conversing, though nothing important was said. Maxwells songs became livelier and more suggestive the longer we drank. He was doing a little ditty about a priest in a small town who couldnt tell the difference between a rooster and a hen, no matter how often it was pointed out to him. The song told a humorous story about how the priest kept getting mad at the flock of roosters he was raising because they wouldnt produce him eggs. Little did the priest know, the town had been stealing all of his hens in a humorous series of events.

This priest was clueless while the townsfolk thought they were sneaky. By the end of the song, the entire tavern was roiling with laughter. As Maxwell returned to the table, the laughter began to die down, though a few snorts and giggles still filled the air.

That was an inappropriate song for someone such as yourself, an angry voice said.

A group of four acolytes approached, casting angry looks, and by the crumbs on the front of their robes, had evidently been enjoying a late-night meal.

Whatever do you mean? Maxwell said before I could caution him. That there was one of my own creations. How could it be inappropriate for me to sing?

With the holy water enhanced alcohol affecting me, I spoke before I should have and gave a knowing smile. Besides, its not like we know anyone who would fit that song.

The lead acolytes face grew red with anger and he sputtered, spittle flying. How dare you! Father Mathis is a blessing to this backward town!

A blessing indeed, Maxwell said. If nothing else, hes provided something for the town to do building that mansion of his. After all, its not like the townsfolk have anything else to do with their lives.

There were snorts of laughter from a group of villagers whod overheard us, drawing glares from acolytes. The villagers quickly got up and left.

You are as much to blame, Mathis turned his attention on me. Rhea spoke highly of you. Now I see that her judgment may have been an error.

Even in my inebriated state, I knew that our best course was to see what Father Mathis wanted us to do. He was clearly going to try and leverage the situation.

Were sorry, father. What can we do to make this right? I said, hating every word.

A smile spread on Mathiss face. Im glad you understand, he said smoothly. I have some work for you that will bring glory to Olattee.

***

You know what theyve been saying about you? Helen Worthens asked me.

I know, I said in frustration. Itd been a week since Father Mathis had strong armed Maxwell and I into working for him. I promise you, those are all stories from someone exaggerating what weve really been saying.

I know that, Helen assured me. Over the year Id been in the neighboring valley, I had spent some time working with the Worthens, helping them out. They, in exchange, helped me through the winter. But most dont know you like I do. Im assuming youre here under his orders?

Unfortunately, I am, I gave her an apologetic look. Father Mathis is I made air quotes requesting, that you pay your tithe in down feathers from your flock.

The Worthens had a large flock of water fowl that they raised and traded for things they needed from the village. A lot of what Id help them with was securing the valley against monsters that would occasionally raid their flocks.

How much is he requiring? Helen asked carefully.

Enough to provide himself with a massive down stuffed bed, Maxwell said angrily.

Helen paled. That would decimate our flocks providing so much at once. What what happens if we cannot pay?

I winced. This was the hard part. Father Mathis will likely order us to force you to, or will use his control over the town to ostracize you.

That is what I feared, Helen said sadly. We have no choice then?

Im afraid not

I hated this. Mathis was using his position as the head of the temple to extort the villagers into providing the resources to build himself an extravagant residence. Hed been using Maxwell and myself to force reluctant villagers to pay their tithes, regardless if what he requested was reasonable.

Would you have any of your flock left? Maxwell asked. Collecting the down from the birds would require Helen and her family to slaughter a large portion.

Fortunately, we already have some down in supply, Helen said. Before winter came, we had to put down a great many that couldnt fit inside the shelters we have for them through the cold months. But its not near enough Well likely need to kill over half just to provide that much.

Im sorry to deliver this news, I said. How long will it take for your flocks to recover?

Theyll recover fast, Helen said. Except we wont be able to supply eggs like we do normally. At least well have an abundance of meat to trade.

I will make sure Mathis knows how much this is costing you, I said. Hopefully he will be satisfied and leave you alone.

Hopefully you dont end up like Derek, Maxwell said sourly. Father Mathis has practically made him an indentured servant.

Father Mathis had all but forced Derek to devote all of his work to building his mansion. On top of that, he was paying him very little, insisting it was part of his tithes to the church.

For the time being, it wasnt an issue. Though I worried that as time passed, things would start to fall into disrepair around town without Derek to fix things. Id tried explaining that to Mathis. He dismissed me outright and insisted that building his mansion was more important than any work Derek might be needed for around town.