Chapter Three

In the house, everyone was bustling about. Cleaning, working, and generally busy.

"You smell disgusting." Aunt Losa said from the kitchen doorway, "take a bath and change before you go to the market. We don't want anyone thinking we sleep in the pigstys."

Beaux rolled his eyes. They already think that.

Aunt Losa cared a little too much about the opinion of the village, and the other women that milled about. Maybe it was due to the inherent competition between them for men and supplies. She threw him a shirt, and when he saw the fine fabric his heart stopped.

It was his grandfather's tunic. One of the few saved from repurposing into diapers and clothes for the others. The fabric was fine green cotton, and along the open neckline were embroidered ivy leaves twined into rings at the points. The symbol that was used when they were still wealthy and held as the highest family in the sow. No one wore that symbol anymore, since the coffers dwindled, and they survived simply on the sale of meat on market day. Better off than some families in their village, but nowhere near the top of society.

The water in the bath was already heated. Probably by his mother or Dona. He gave them silent thanks, and sunk deep into the steaming water. He finally unwrapped the bandage on his hand from yesterday, his knuckles raw and bruised but fine. Tan skin shimmered under the splash of the water and he grabbed one of the soap bars made from the fat of a past butchered animal. The pigs were initially used for that purpose in his grandfather's day. Fine expensive soaps that smelled of herbs and perfume. When the cosmetic industry was still booming, before the forced conscription. In those days of the war, men still came home, rich from their travels and conquests. Guillard Poncè was a handsome young military leader, and fell in love with a girl from a poor village in the heart of the cattle lands. He took his fortune there and built a parfumerie and soap business that rivaled his enemies. The pigs were used for soap, their meat a simple bonus. As the war raged, and men stopped coming home, the soaps and perfumes were an afterthought while the meat became a more prized commodity. His only son, Lester Poncè, was disabled but skilled in soaps and candles. Unable to handle the brutality of butchery, it fell onto his daughter Losa, then the first born grandson Beaux.

The benefit was that good soap was never hard to find in the Poncè estate, and some were still sold at the village market. This history was why their village was still called The Sow. After his grandfather's prized industry.

Beaux slipped further into the bath, scrubbing his short curly hair and cleaning under his nails thoroughly.

When he was done, he slipped on a clean pair of trousers and the tunic that fit like a glove.

Fen went into the washroom after him, cursing under his breath. Aunt Losa definitely bit into him about his stench too.

When the meat from the day, some older preserved cuts, and a few soaps and candles were packed into the travel cart. Beaux grabbed the last thing he'd need for the trip. A pistol. Black and smooth with gold trimmings. It came from his grandfather, and though a round was missing it'd do good to keep on the short journey.

Kandy was already sitting in the cart with the goods, Ton was latching Honey into her leather straps. The only mare to their name, her hair golden in some places and white with age in others. She'd been a trade with one of the nearby families, for a pregnant sow. Old but strong, she did the real heavy lifting of the family. Carrying them back and forth from the village square a few miles down.

Beaux strode to them, feeling a little embarrassed to be wearing one of their grandfather's fine tunics.

Ton let out a low whistle, and clicked in approval. Kandy was wearing a simple dress and a thin cloak to protect her from the prying eyes of villagers. Everyone knew the

Poncè girls were not to be trifled with.

Beaux grabbed Honey's reins and stroked her graying mane. You've got a few good years left, old lass. He thought to himself looking into her black eyes.

Ton pushed away towards Kandy starting into a drawn out talk about strangers, men, and staying close to cousin Beaux.

"Stay close, don't wander off. You hear?" He said in a low voice.

She rolled her eyes and nodded her head in understanding.

The trio rolled onto the path towards the village, late morning humming around them.

The village was made of stone like their own home, houses pressed around with children playing in the yards and streets. One thing the sow had plenty of was kids. Laughing and kicking balls between them, you'd think the village was a happy and prosperous place but sunken eyes peered from cottage windows at Beaux and the cart.

First it'd be the regular rounds, places where the family had long standing agreements. Trades for ingredients, meats, and supplies. Milk for a cut of belly, feet for cartons of eggs, sausages for flour, and other miscellaneous goods. When Beaux got to the tavern he cringed, hopefully the twins didn't leave a debt here that couldn't be settled.

The barkeep complained about the boy's activities, especially Fen the night before, and chopped ham hawks were the man's price. Once all debts were paid he headed to the marketplace, about half his wares gone. Kandy gawked at the stalls of color and luxury. Fabrics, candies, and other fine goods were being sold and traded greedily amongst the many villagers. Beaux got to an open space and stopped, customers already heading his way. Along with sales, they asked about his family, introduced themselves to Kandy, and pryed about his upcoming departure.

The young man answered patiently, negotiating prices, and smiled at the awkward questioning. Beaux's reputation was overall good, most people liked and respected him. Always adding it was a shame that he'd be gone so soon.

Today's payout was good, most likely due to pity roused from him leaving the following day. It was better than good honestly, his trades had been generous and the coin in his pouch was heavy.

He'd begun packing up when Kandy quipped "Maybe we can get something sweet for tonight?" She innocently danced her fingers along the boards of the wooden cart. Beaux raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

Grabbing the last of the preserved bacon and a copper from his pouch he handed them over to Kandy and said "Go over to Miss Quinn, see what she'll give you for these."

She shot up from the edge of the cart and smiled. Placing a big kiss on his cheek she ran off to the baker's stall.

Beaux finished up the remaining things he needed to get done, and patted the coin into his belted carrier. His fingers grazed the hilt of the pistol and he stiffened.

"I hate you and I hate this filthy place!" Dona shouted into Aunt Losa's face. She was an eighteen year old spitfire, rebellion in her blood.

"You stupid child." Aunt Losa hissed back hovering above her in the family room.

Mom was standing from the kitchen doorway twirling the ends of little Fen's long hair, his face was streaked with tears.

Dona raced to the front door and Aunt Losa roared in response "Go for all I care, I don't give a damn about a stupid little girl with no sense in her head."

"Good." Dona shouted back, "and I'm not a little girl, I'm a woman."

Aunt Losa laughed, a great and terrible sound. Dona's face blazed in embarrassment and she stalked out slamming the door behind her. Mother's eyes never left the top of Fen's head.

Beaux felt torn and confused. In the silence amongst them, Fen sniffled and horse hooves sounded in the distance.

Dona had tried to sneak out, to see the parties and life of the village. Fen, in search of water in the night, had seen her and told.

Aunt Losa believed the village had no place for a young lady, and demanded Dona stay home. This argument and Dona's race into the night was the cost. Everyone dispersed back to their beds, Aunt Losa still heated and muttering curses. Beaux tried to sleep in the bed with Ton and Fen but couldn't stop tossing, the heat of their bodies making him anxious. Quietly, he lifted out and pushed through the house, silent as a mouse. It'd felt like hours since Dona left, and the worry kept his head spinning. His mother was sitting in the den chair, eyes half drowsy and when she saw Beux, a small smile tugged at her lips. "Bring her home, Beaux." She said in a sweet lilt. He turned to the door, that being the new objective.

"Wait." She whispered, coming to his side quietly. The press of cold metal into his hand. "The night is long, and anything could come to you on the road."

The memory of Aunt Losa explaining how the gun worked wrapped into Beaux's mind, and he took it with a nod.

It didn't take long on the road for his feet to feel tired and the cold air to chill him to his bones. Winter had only just passed, and in the night it still lingered. A familiar whine could be heard farther up. Beaux ran, and saw Honey standing alone in the road sniffing the weeds along the beaten path.

Beaux's attention snapped back to the court square, and to Kandy talking giddily to the kind older woman passed her a desert box.

It will never happen again. He thought darkly and pressed Honey back to the path towards Kandy.

The way back home always felt longer, now it was past midday and the heat was sweltering down on them. Kandy held the box of sweets tight in her lap, and Beaux's curls had long dried to their familiar pattern. They had just been about to pass the gates, onto the road ahead towards home. When a familiar figure leaned against the stone waving towards him.

Lily really was a pretty thing, her blue dress hugged her curves and a bright smile tugged at her lips. Her fingers tangled with the ribbon at the end of her hair and she strode towards them. Beaux let the horse and cart slow and looked down at the young woman.

"Hiya Beaux," she drawled, "heard you're going to the capital and wanted to know if you planned on stopping by the tavern for the rite?"

Beaux leaned back and tipped his head up at the sky, surveying the great expanse of blue in thought.

"I'm not really about all that Miss Allbright." He said politely with a grin.

She shrugged and turned back to the village, flipping a long strand of hair behind her. "Well I'll be there if you change your mind." Her suggestion creeped a hot blush into his cheeks.

Beaux yipped and Honey took off down the path, not daring to turn and see if Lily was looking back at him.

Honey was agitated probably because she wasn't used to being rode around in the middle of the night.

Where is she? Beaux silently asked the Mare, and hopped into the saddle. Trotting down the darkened path as the village came into view. The lights of the stone houses out, save for the golden glow of the tavern further down. That's probably where Dona had gone, looking for fun. Inside there were dozens of young men whooping and laughing. Music playing from a few musicians in the corner. And women were spaced about pushing themselves onto the young bucks, kisses placed onto their necks, chests, and lips. A couple guys were taking the rite, a long tradition held by men across the country. When one was about to join the front line, they'd go somewhere like a tavern or any other place where drink flowed. Women that were interested would go to the same place, and between them…

"What's the rite?" Kandy asked loudly enough to startle Beaux from his thoughts.

He coughed in surprise at the question, taken aback.

Beaux turned his head back to look at Kandy "I think that's a question for one of the Poncè ladies, not me."

She pouted, and Beaux couldn't help but think that all three of his cousins made the same disappointed face when he didn't give them a satisfying answer.

When they got home the sun had set significantly, and the air started to cool. A savory smell was coming from the house, and he sent Kandy ahead to get the twins to help him put the stock in the stores.

Beaux slammed open the cellar used for storage. Fen and Ton hauled goods inside and Beaux let out a long yawn, it'd been a long day. His last long day. The following morning he'd been on his way to the capital. Fen brushed a hand through his shoulder length blonde hair.

"Are you taking the rite?" He asked casually.

Beaux stretched his arms above him in a long slow movement. "No I don't think so." He yawned again.

Ton shook his head, "What are you, stupid?"

Beaux's eyes darted and he glared into Ton's face.

"All I'm saying," added Fen trying to diffuse the tension "is that you may not get another chance to cut loose."

Ton leaned back on the stack of boxes behind him, "Have a little fun cousin."

Beaux relaxed, they didn't mean any harm. Maybe with the night drawing closer I'm just feeling on edge.

Beaux turned on his heels and went up the cellar steps and looked at the sun edging along the horizon

beyond.

"Let's get Honey back in her pen," Beaux sighed reluctantly, "and I'll think about having a drink tonight."

The boys cheered behind him, slinging their arms around his shoulders and tugging him towards their remaining work.

When they made it back to the cottage it smells of rosemary and thyme. The lighted candles and fireplace felt inviting.

Home, thought Beaux, I'll never forget this feeling.

The meals passed greedily and he couldn't help notice that when Aunt Losa handed him a bowl. The portion was absolutely huge. Juicy tender roast, golden mashed potatoes with herbed butter, and beans grilled the way he liked. Beaux couldn't help but stuff his face.

"Today is an important day," said Luna and everyone in the room stiffened like a board, "it's the first day of summer solstice!" She exclaimed enthusiastically.

Beaux let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"Yes aunt Luna," little Kandy said from her place on the floor and his mother's feet, "and tomorrow is Beaux's birthday."

Luna's face froze for a moment and for a split second it looked like terror dripped from those hazel eyes. But then she thawed to a graceful smile.

"Oh when Beaux was born, it felt like my world stopped." She said softly, "Such a beautiful little boy, so much like his father."

Those tight fingers around Beaux's heart became a death grip. Awkward silence enveloped everything in the room.

Then a voice from the kitchen, obnoxious and brass "When Fen and Ton were born I felt like strangling them before they even came out."

A laugh ripped from Dona, and everyone joined in.

When the meal was done, Kandy brought out the bakers box she'd brought from the village square and revealed a simple strawberry cake inside.

Sliced and passed, the sweet delicacy banished the bitter feelings ebbing within Beaux's chest.

The chatter went on, Losa complaining of the weather and the land. Luna smiling and chiding away worries. The littles, giggling and playing among the firelights glow cake on their noses. Kandy brought up the subject of the rite, and the twins turned slowly.

"You've got no business asking about the rite." Fen said and took and snapping bite at his cake.

Ton shuffled against the wall he was leaning on "At least not until you're taller than Beaux." He said jokingly.

"The rite can be a beautiful thing," said Dona from the kitchen doorway leaning against it's oak frame, "but it can also be ugly as a daemon."

Kandy tilted her head in puzzled curiosity but said no more.

At the end of their meal, Beaux took up his place amongst the dirty dishes. As the night before, Dona came behind him holding a bowl and a plate. He took it quietly, staring at the hearty meal and the little slice of cake on a smaller plate. As he passed her to the door, he could feel a gentle touch on his shoulder. Dona's face held grief and tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. Beaux said nothing and walked out of the kitchen and into the night beyond.