Bridger - The scent of burning leaf floated in through the priory windows. In my mind's eye Brüs Kave, the new gardner, was stuffing his pipe with the aromatic leaf he carried around in large quantities. In the short time he had been in his position, he had already reversed the damage done of neglect to the gardens. The leaf he smoked seemed to help him attune with the plants better. I suppose it was one less thing for me to worry about. Brüs was a far better gardner than I would ever be, or perhaps even hope to hire. The only thing that bothered me about the man was his watchful eyes. No matter where I was on the property I would find his eyes tracking me. I told myself he was a watchful man, something we might benefit from in the future.
Kale and Hullick had cleared the debris from the main chapel and set about making repairs to the exterior door. Kale worked with a vigor that threatened to damage his health. Sweat poured off the man like he was standing under a spring. His vocabulary must have been crafted on Gevorah’s anvil. I couldn’t count more than a handful of words between obscenities so offensive as to make a hooker blush. Hullick on the other hand, seems to see himself as some self appointed oracle of wisdom. Through the hammering, pounding, smoke, and swearing I managed to bring some order to the library. The monastic vigilance necessary to create and care for such a body of knowledge was staggering.
A tome I had been repairing with my mothers horse-glue recipe was dry and ready to return to the shelf. I heard the gate open in the yard. A quick glance through the window showed me Master go Brach and a visitor. I moved outside to greet them in the garden.
“Good day sir.” I said trying my best to sound professional.
“Just call me Bromm.” He said flatly, before introducing the woman to his side. “This is Robyn she’ll be overseeing things here while I’m out of town.
I was new to Hlofreden and was meeting new people on a daily basis. I was attempting to appraise not only the nature of the woman, but her relationship to Master Bromm. The both of them looked as though they hadn’t slept in a while. Bromm having the more diminished bearing of the two. Robyn looked to my eyes to be in her late thirties. A comely woman with a predatory beauty. Her mane of red hair would mark her as a unique figure in this remote fishing town. I knew Master Bromm to be a man of twenty or so, son of Hagan go Brach. A man you didn’t tangle with unless you were prepared to carry your convictions to the grave.
Bromm asked a battery of questions regarding the condition of the property. I was happy to report the progress we had made. I glanced across the yard, only to see Brüs ogling the woman. I started to speak again, but the lady spoke over me.
“Hakaar had mentioned that the defenses would need some further review.” She said, gesturing to the main building. “I am most concerned about the bars on the windows in the undercroft.” She finished furrowing her brow, only adding to her allure.
"I'm sure you'll devise something." Bromm said with a wink.
“Have you had a chance to practice with your new weapon?” Bromm said raising an eyebrow at me.
“In truth, I have been so busy that I have only had a little time to discharge a few rounds.” I produced the weapon from it sheath, proffering it for inspection. A scowl on his face told me what I already knew. I was not learning the weapon quickly enough.
"Proper care of your weapon is the first rule of a gunfighter. Not to worry.” Bromm said casually. “Robyn here is a first rate gun fighter. She’ll have you squared away soon enough.”
Robyn stepped in and threw her arm around me, gripping my shoulder and tousling my hair. “I’ll have him shooting strait soon enough.” She said, then released me and returned to his side.
“As I said, I’ll be out of town for a few days, Robyn is in charge while I’m away."
“I understand.” I said, not wanting to place any doubt in my employer’s mind. “I’ll see that the others are informed.”
The two of them turned and retreated to the shade of the covered gate. As they reached the gate Robyn pressed him up against the stone wall and kissed him with ardor. My question as to the nature of their relationship was answered then and there. Master Bromm returned her passion, nearly making a dog-fight of the kiss. They broke from their embrace and Bromm departed. Robyn lowered her head enough to hide her eyes in the shadow of her hat.
“Lets get to work.” Was all she said.
I knew the balance of the day was going to test my stamina and patience. This red devil was going to be my personal crucible.