Shadows of Discovery

Aiden awoke feeling tangled remnants of fiery dreams dissipate like morning mist. Snippets lingered as he blinked away sleep - moonlit trysts, stolen wine, and passionate kisses with raven-haired sorceress consort.

He scrubbed blunt palms over his face vigorously then headed outside into bracing dawn. Lingering fantasies of Isolde's lithe curves must not distract today. As village magician appointed by the local baron, various duties awaited his attention around the fief.

Their clandestine connection brought equal parts euphoria and anxiety. If her formidable brother Cadell discovered them, he would likely banish Aiden outright as unworthy of his highborn sister. And if affair ignited gossip in the village it could undermine Aiden's credibility assisting common folk.

So for now stolen moments together must suffice. But by the gods how Aiden yearned for so much more...

Donning his worn leather satchel of medicinal potions and herbs, he set off along familiar forest paths toward village proper. Florin the chandler had mentioned his daughter's lingering chest congestion yesterday. Best follow up with additional tonic before the cough worsened.

But crossing the village green, Aiden spotted none other than Lord Cadell himself speaking to the blacksmith. He hastily detoured behind a produce stall to remain unobserved. Peering between pyramids of cabbage and carrots, he glimpsed Cadell pass a small pouch to the burly metalsmith. Secret payment perhaps for something delicately unofficial?

Intrigued but wary of notice, Aiden skirted the far side of the market square toward Florin's modest shop. This mystery would require discreet investigation another time. He had no wish to provoke the formidable noble without cause.

Ducking beneath strands of drying herbs dangling in the shop's doorway, he called out hesitantly, "Good Florin? Have you brewed up any fresh white pine tea for Ramona today?"

The candle maker bustled through the back curtain wiping work-reddened hands. "Ah good Aiden! Indeed we just took tea. And 'Mona's cough much improved thanks to your tonic. But your wise counsel remains ever welcome too if you have a spare moment."

Aiden smiled reassuringly. "Of course! Just let me greet Ramona first." Ducking through the low portal into their living quarters, he spent some minutes examining his young patient and adjusting the herbal regimen. Fortunately the child now recovered well. Her wide hazel eyes shone bright and clear, throat only slightly reddened. After some silly riddles that left her giggling, Aiden prescribed another few days' rest and tea then made his farewells.

Returning to the workshop he found Florin marking barrel staves with charcoal lines. His work-weathered face looked pensive now. Taking a seat on the low workbench Aiden prompted gently, "Your daughter improves nicely each day, praise the gods. Now tell me friend, what else weighs on your mind?"

The chandler sighed heavily, releasing his wood pencil to rub both hands vigorously through iron grey hair as though to stimulate ideas. Finally he met Aiden's gaze somberly. "You are a wise soul I trust, though still young. But hold my words in confidence for now."

Intrigued Aiden nodded graciously. "Of course. Please share your burden."

Florin grimaced. "Right. Well, that Lord Cadell been coming around near daily now, always wanting more candles made. Claims they 'improve the atmosphere' up at the hall." His lips twisted wryly. "But after he left today I found two fine gold bracelets forgot atop that barrel there. Reckon they slipped from his pocket unseen."

Aiden's breath stilled, thoughts racing. Surely coincidence only? Yet Cadell was known for lavishing jewels upon his string of glamoured mistresses...

Oblivious to Aiden's alarmed realization, Florin continued frowning. "What irks me is why's he need so many tapers anyway? Unless..." Here the shopkeeper flushed and cleared his throat gruffly. "Being unwed still, I can only imagine certain...lady guests...might occupy those rooms."

Aiden mastered his riotous emotions quickly, keeping expression neutral. Best not speculate openly on aristocratic romantic entanglements. Especially with partial facts only...and one paramour possibly being his own treasured Isolde. The notion made him alternately heartsick and murderous.

So instead he remarked vaguely, "Nobles keep erratic schedules for working and entertaining visitors. Though excessive candle orders do seem odd. What will you do with the found jewelry?"

Florin looked mildly affronted. "Return them discretely, of course! Despite my low station, I be no thief." He worried the leather apron twisted between tense fingers. "Just hope I avoid embroiling myself or Ramona in courtly drama. Surely they were a careless gift for some passing dalliance."

Aiden nodded thoughtfully, though stomach still roiled imagining Isolde accepting golden trinkets from suitors during stolen trysts...

No! Surely she prioritized their growing affection too much for casual dalliances elsewhere. Until he uncovered more facts, jealousy availed nothing. With effort he calmed warring emotions.

"You show sound wisdom and integrity, my friend. Handle the jewels discretely then put the matter quickly from mind." He clasped the chandler's tense shoulder. "If Cadell causes true disruptions, notify Baron Nicoli to settle grievances honorably."

Florin nodded gratefully. "My thanks for the sage advice. Now I really must complete these candle orders before tomorrow!"

Taking his leave Aiden wandered slowly toward the forest verge, nodding greetings to villagers while lost in troubled thoughts. Lingering questions from both mornings' odd encounters begged further investigation, though pursuing either threatened discovery or retribution.

Instinctively his steps bent along the leafy path toward Isolde's favorite hidden glen - a peaceful sanctuary ideal for contemplation. But drawing near the secluded dell Aiden halted abruptly. His heightened senses detected...smoke? And men's raucous laughter echoed through the trees ahead.

Pulse racing, he crept forward cautiously until the filigreed trellis arch marking Isolde's private retreat emerged from the trees. Under its delicate spires lounged Cadell himself accompanied by two rough men he vaguely recognized as castle guardsmen. A makeshift firepit filled with applewood coals explained the out of place smoke.

Aiden's gut clenched seeing Isolde's brother occupying her secret sanctum so casually. Straining his ears he caught Cadell saying mockingly, "...lounge here at my leisure away from the old man's rheumy glares. Even my devote sister knows not of it, more's the pity." He guffawed. "These springs have seen many a delicious romp I assure you!"

His companions joined the coarse laughter with crude speculation about conquests drawn here. Bile rose in Aiden's throat imagining Isolde's brother defiling her sanctuary with revolting behavior. Should she ever discover it may devastate her. Protectiveness flared hotly.

Vowing to shield Isolde and her beloved grotto somehow, Aiden silently withdrew through dappled sunlight and clinging shadows. Jealous accusations without proof still felt premature given lingering doubts about her affection. But clearly danger lurked closer than either realized.