The House of Hasson Read online

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  The day was chill but the sun shone faintly through the clouds, warming Jesh as he sat in the wagon which made its way through the farmlands, up the rough road leading to the Hassonlandith. There was no snow on the ground, and the grass was yellow with faint green. Most trees were barren, except for the pine. The colors everywhere were pale with winter, and yet Jesh was startled by how beautiful the land was, how wide the open spaces were, how very sparse the population was.

  In the years on Prent, Jesh had longed to come home--to Kinthaldith. Here Jesh saw barns and herds of cows. Bundled warmly, people worked in fields with simple tools. The country seemed like a contemplative place to Jesh, not like the busy, overcrowded metropolis he had stayed in on Prent. Only expensive resorts would have had such beautiful views.

  Up ahead loomed snow-covered mountains. No pollution blurred them. Jesh could see crevices of snow and shadow against the blue patches of sky--so clear, so crisp. Jesh breathed in the air; it was fragrant with grass and pine. Everything was right--and everything was wrong. Jesh avoided looking at the four men with him in the wagon--members of the Hasson guard.

  For a moment, Jesh imagined what would happen with the Prenth on Kinthaldith, imagined Prenth building huge resorts on Hasson land, their technology overwhelming a society whose peace had lasted five hundred years. He imagined them paying the Kinthaldans in trinkets and useless gadgets in exchange for their lands, their services. The Prenth could have great power, destroying the culture and government of Kinthaldith.

  Llatt's old arguments returned. I could have helped them if I had stayed on Prent, thought Jesh. I shouldn't have come.

  The Hassonlandith looked more like a city than a house. It had to be large to hold the family and relatives and workers, and all that swore loyalty to the household. The Hasson was one of the largest and most respected houses on Kinthaldith.

  The wagon stopped and two men helped Jesh out. The household members had ridden in a separate carriage. Jesh tugged at the cuffs again, trying to ease the pressure on his wrists, which were now quite sore. The men kept him there while the others got out of the carriage. He recognized one older woman as Lady Tirethdarra, sister of Lord Demmin and an influential voice in the Hasson.

  Lord Risser came directly over to Jesh; several others followed him. "He's guilty. Why delay? Let's kill him now." Lord Risser reached for his sword and drew it from its sheath.

  "No," called Lady Tirethdarra, already heading for the house. "First we'll discuss this matter."

  The young Lord stared at Jesh, studying his face, his clothes, and his hair. His distaste was obvious, but he put his sword away. They were about the same age. Jesh looked again at Lady Tireth; could she now be in charge of the Hasson?

  "Lady Tireth," Jesh called, on impulse. He saw her turn. Then Lord Risser hit him hard across the face. Jesh realized he had committed an offense, by calling her name.

  "Insolent dog!" Lord Risser grabbed him by the collar. The next blow knocked Jesh back against the carriage, which broke his fall. He quickly regained his balance. He stared at Lord Risser in shock. Jesh had never been struck before, not even in his days as a servant. The young Lord grabbed Jesh's arm and pulled him back, ready to hit him again. Jesh wondered if he should dodge the blow or whether that would only make the man angrier.

  "Rissertoranth! Stop it!" Lady Tireth said, much closer now. "Go inside--now!" Lord Risser scowled at Jesh and reluctantly released him. Jesh regained his feet and watched Risser walk towards the door in a fury. With Lady Tirethdarra in charge, Jesh realized he might have a chance.

  Jesh dropped to one knee as Lady Tireth approached and bowed his head--partly because it was a gesture of respect and partly because he was trembling and felt that he would lose his balance soon anyway.

  "Forgive me, I meant no offense," he said.

  "Speak; I am listening," said Lady Tireth.

  "When I was arrested, I had a bag that contained evidence that could prove my innocence. They took it. Someone in town must have it. Please, if you could--"

  "I'll send someone to look for it. We will wait for word before we begin," she said.

  "Thank you."

  She walked toward the house then. After she'd gone in, they escorted Jesh inside.