[OL TC2A] De Royne's Return

[Ross Fisher]

André Giefaux, fifth son of the Margrave of Hernsey, scurried down the steps to the harbour. If the rumours were true, his long-lost cousin, William de Royne, had arrived some time in the night. 

Even though he had the misfortune of being born a citizen of Corrington, William had always been a favourite of his. A few years older, and very much the black sheep of his own family, de Royne was a man to be admired. 

And then, a few years ago, he had mysteriously gone missing. The families refused to even address the issue, and so Antoine had quietly missed the man. 

So when he was allegedly back, out of the blue, André had to see him. No-one else had been excited, but that was their failing. 

Skidding into the harbour, he spied a sleek black yacht, with crew busy about the vessel. A stately young man was directing them. Could that really be William? If so he had changed from the lanky playmate André remembered from years gone by. 

Suddenly he was struck shy. It had been years. How do you greet someone who has changed so much? He didn't have to.

"André? Little André Giefaux, is that you?!" He didn't even hate the nickname. He was too busy glowing from the recognition. And suddenly he was on the receiving end of a manly embrace. 

"de Royne! How do you do?" 

"All the better for being in familiar waters! My gods, look at you; all grown up! Are you as well as you look?" Giefaux positively melted. 

"Are these all yours?" he asked, gesturing to the works of art, sculptures, books and mysterious boxes piling up on the quay. 

"Little insurance policy," the man winked. "Father will likely chew me out when I land back on the mainland. Confiscate my boat and anything on board. You know what he's like! I can't do anything right."

"Sounds familiar," André commiserated.

"Well the old Grand Tour proved rather profitable for me. But I've no intention of letting the old miser see a penny of it. I thought I'd leave the best stuff here under lock and key. Would you be able to lend me a vault in the family bank?"

"Of course!" replied André. It was one of the few things he wouldn't have to ask the Margrave's permission for. 

"It's just a shame I need the yacht to get me back to the mainland, or I'd be tempted to stuff that down there too! Oh well, can't be avoided. Ah, but cousin, it's good to see you again! To tell the truth, I've been wary about coming back to familiar waters after that windfall inheritance. But it's good to be met by a friendly face."

At that moment, a vision in silk appeared at William's side. He turned, smiled at the lady, and then caught André's awestruck gaze. 

"Ah, forgive me. Allow me to introduce my wife, the Comtessa Felizia Delphina. Señora; mi primo, Monsieur André Giefaux."

"Comtessa." He smiled, weakly. "Your wife?!"

"Yes, it was a surprise to me too, but all the parties involved were very much in favour. It's all been decent and honourable. Did I mention that my voyages have been good to me?" That old glint was back.

"Then why is your hand in bandages?" André challenged 

"Duelling scar. It'll heal soon. Misunderstanding, really. You should see the other fellow!"

"Gods, what a life of adventure you have lived since I saw you last! I only wish I could escape like you have. My family casts a very long shadow."

"Well, that's one wish I might be able to grant. Why don't you take the yacht?"

"What!? But it's yours! It has to be worth more than I could realistically pay back?"

"And it'll be confiscated the second I moor up on the Mainland. I'd sooner see it put to use in your good hands."

"Really?"

"Call it a thankyou for that vault. You can buy us all a drink if you feel that's not enough. Your first charter will be to take myself and Felizia back home, so you'll need something to fortify you!"

"Cousin, I don't know what to say."

"Say you won't let her gather barnacles in Hernsey Harbour."

"I won't." 

But apparently this wasn't quite enough for the older man, because he gripped his cousin firmly by both shoulders.

"André Giefaux, by the luck vested in me by the Ocean Father, I charge you to keep the Thessalonike sailing. Do not let anyone waylay you from the freedom that is owed you. The world out there is greater than you know, and your fortune lies beyond the horizon, I promise. All you need do is chase it."

"Hell of a speech, cousin."

"I mean every word. If all I accomplish by coming home is to free you, then my journey hasn't been wasted."

And so it was that in the summer of 624, André Giefaux, fifth son of the Margrave of Hernsey set sail on a life of adventure. If he only knew then just what was coming his way, he might have baulked. But sometimes the greatest first steps are a leap of faith. 

Edited August 10 by Ross Fisher

[NOD]

55 minutes ago, Ross Fisher said:

Even though he had the misfortune of being born a citizen of Corrington

I understand, being born a citizen of Corrington is really nothing to be proud of. 

On the jetty, I see and 2 Greek amphoras, a Stradivarius and a bust of Julius Caesar. André Giefaux is an interesting character and I am excited to see how his adventurous life will continue.

Edited August 9 by NOD
typing error

[Khorne]

Lovely read, so well-written again. I always like the choice of words and flow of your sentences.

Like I said on Flickr: the amphoras are really neat! Very clever parts usage. I'll have to remember that for the future.

[Ross Fisher]

22 minutes ago, Khorne said:

Lovely read

Much appreciated. Its pretty self-indulgent of me to write such a long accompanying text, so I always hope it's worth reading.

[Khorne]

On 8/10/2024 at 1:42 PM, Ross Fisher said:

Much appreciated. Its pretty self-indulgent of me to write such a long accompanying text, so I always hope it's worth reading.

Personally, I like reading short stories such as these. Especially when illustrated. Plus, as I've mentioned, I like your writing style, so for me I definitely find it worth reading.