Thread: The Companion (Camp and Randomthingslover1)

His breath expelled in a painful whoosh as the copper's fist impacted his solar plexus with more than sufficient force to bring him to his knees, gasping for air. So ya thought ya could beat on 'is 'onor's own son and be dancing free, eh boy? Eric groaned. It would be no use explaining that he had refused to pay for the little twit's drinks, and that when the whiny spoiled brat hit him, he slugged him back once. Granted, his job as a stockboy had given him sufficient muscle compared to the lazy fat rich boy that his one blow had knocked the boy down. He should have known that 'Daddy' would have some of the town's own guard monitoring his wayward son to ensure his safety. Now the best he could expect was to get hauled to jail, left to rot for a week and then have a trumped up trial where multiple 'witnesses would claim that he bludgeoned the 'poor innocent' to near death. Just as hand cuffs were being roughly snapped to his wrists, a red carriage, with a well known crest thundered up. It was the Redhall crest, that of his mother's eldest brother Jake. When Eric had not made it to the University, he'd thought Uncle Jake had turned his back forever, but now... Constable, unhand his Lordship this moment or I can promise it will go quite ill with you! A short elderly man in a formal suit and cape stepped down from the coach. he was completely unarmed, except for a bailiff's valise, and a most commanding gaze. The stunned cops straightened and reluctantly removed the cuffs, inquiring. Ere now. Wots this lairdship business, then? The obvious gentleman held up a writ, hand written and stamped and proceeded to read. By order of the High Court, let it be known that Eric Morrison, Heir to the Estate and title of Redhall is hereby consigned and delivered with said estate and the title of Viscount, so long as he fulfills the duties of that office and requirements of the will herein attached. Eric looked up, eyes gleaming as the cops blanched. They'd dared lay hands on a Peer of the Realm. Slowly, he straightened himself, waving off their assistance and apologies. I take it that my dear Uncle Jake could no longer stave off death and has graced me to follow after him. The gentleman sniffed in distain. As if. I am, as executor, to train you in what you need to know and to ensure that you fulfill your duties. Should you fail in that, the title goes to another. Eric chewed that one over as a driver assisted him into the carriage. At 19, he was in good shape and rather handsome, though his chocolate brown hair tended to be a bit unruly. The carriage took off and his companion introduced himself. Leonard Weatherby, Esquire. I have handled legal affairs and finances for you Uncle for 24 years. He trusted me implicitly, and I have done all I could to earn that trust. It was upon my recommendation that you were chosen as the heir. While your grades were not enough for the university, I did a little digging and found that with your mother's illness that took her, you were looking after her and holding two jobs as well as school. A commendable choice of options, given the situation. Eric nodded. Yeah, Mom refused to take a penny from Uncle Jake...she said he was a slaver. I know he had that girl who always looked after him, but it seemed like she could have run if she wished. The attorney nodded in turn. Yes, his Companion Felice. Poor thing...since his passing, she's refused to eat or drink unless she was working with her replacement...your Companion. The last was said drily and Eric froze. My companion? Me with a sex slave? No way! That is so wrong! Weatherby shook his head with a deep sigh, looking out at the countryside passing by. We are on your property now...three miles in all directions from the manor is part of the inheritance...the crops, the forest, the animals. The People don't own their lands or homes in most cases, but are here based on their loyalty under sufferance of the lord. In return, we make sure that all have good wholesome food, a place to sleep that is safe, and keep most of what they earn. Is that slavery? Any are free to leave, yet they choose to stay. Listen well Eric. Your Companion, Miss Aria Hale, was told of you and has studied you for some time. Companions are not forced. She knows much of you and has dedicated her life to you. If you refuse her, you lose the estate and title, and she is by law sent to the salt mines to occupy what will likely be a suicidal depression. So before you go stating what you can't accept, you might want to give people a chance and learn the situation. You never struck me as an arrogant fool...please don't fail my choice now and condemn the poor girl. Chewing his lip, Eric looked out at the approaching manor. Made of red brick and red stone, it was quite imposing, with four stories above ground, and a facing over 200 feet wide. He still felt terrible. This was wrong...but would he throw it aside? Squire Weatherby. I'll try...but who decides if I've adequately accepted her? Weatherby grinned. Why she does, of course. She'd never lie about something so vital to herself. You have two weeks to satisfy her that she satisfies you. Use it well. I need to go file these papers. A man in a tuxedo stepped up. I'm Standish, Milord. Majordomo and Head Butler. The staff all answer to me, after yourself of course. Have you any immediate requirements? Eric stepped out and looked at himself. I need some new clothes and a shower, a snack would be good. Why is everyone lined up? They are being presented my Lord Viscount, in case any displease you and are to be summarily dismissed, Sir. Eric was stunned. Why would I do that? I don't know them and they've done nothing bad to me. He could see the taut worried looks they had and he strolled over. Everyone, thank you for coming out to greet me. I have a lot to learn about...well, everything, and I'll be relying on ALL of you to teach me what I need to know to be a proper lord. I know that formalities must be maintained, but it is my request that if I'm doing it wrong, you'll quietly try to let me know...I don't need to be more the fool than needed. So...how about an informal little party this evening to honor Uncle Jake, with only me and you staff members. We can open some wine and talk about him and remember him well. Um, Standish. Was he a good lord? Standish bowed and smiled. Milord, he was my Master and friend. Now, let me present to you your chief servant. While I am responsible for the manor and grounds, she is directly responsible for you, and your all around well being. Companion Hale, please reveal yourself. Eric blinked as two tall cooks stepped aside to reveal a stunning woman. Awkwardly Eric bowed, which set up a titter of laughter in the staff. He froze and then smiled. OK...my first lesson. I guess I don't bow to staff, including my companion. Thank you all for letting me know. Um, Miss Hale...I really need to get a bath and some new clothes, can you help me please?