"How's she doing?" Wilson asked.

"Grace is doing better. Pretty shaken up," Dev took a sip of the mead. "We all are, Wil. For a while, the Baron's men were all over the place saying it was the Swelling Fever. No one believed them, but we were all a bit scared. Your sister was quarantined for the seven days. Ended yesterday." Devon took another drink. "Wil, I'm so sorry."

"Not your fault," Wilson said.

"I sent word to you the day it happened. Must be a good commander to get you here so fast," said Devon.

Aella looked up from her plate. "Good? That may be in question. But he owes Wilson a debt." He probably figured this would ease a bit of what he owes, letting Wilson come here."

Devon reached over and grabbed all three mugs. "I'll go get us a refill. Be right back."

True to his word, he came back momentarily with full mugs.

"I think Wilson understated how good these chops are. Best chops I've ever had," said Aella. "Thank you."

Devon nodded. "You get enough?" he asked.

Aella smiled. "For now," she looked at Devon with a smile.

Devon looked back over at Wilson. "Well, you headed out to the farm?" he asked.

"In the morning," answered Wilson. "Is it all right if we stay here tonight?"

"Certainly," said Devon. "Dad will be glad to see you. He's over at the cooper ordering some new barrels right now. Should be back in an hour or so."

Wilson sat back and stretched his arms above his head. "Anything else I need to know before I head out tomorrow?" he asked.

"She'll be glad to see you," said Devon. "I think the Baron made all that up about the Swelling Fever. He's been looking for a way to get the farm since you left. I think he was going to use the Swelling Fever as an excuse to take the farm." Devon smashed his fist down on the table. "And that might not be the worst of it. That miserable horse's ass Basden has been after your sister since you left. Your mother would have nothing of it." He shook his head sadly. "Now that she's gone, I'm worried. It'll be another year until we can wed," he stopped speaking suddenly. His face turned bright red. "Wil, sorry. I meant to ask you. I just forgot. If it's okay with you, I'd like to marry your sister when she turns eighteen."

Wilson stood up, pushing his chair back noisily. His face was expressionless. Aella looked at him with concern. Then a huge smile broke across his face. "Of course, Dev. There is nothing I'd like better. I'm so happy for you two," he said. Then he reached over and lifted the skinny Devon right out of his chair and gave him a bear hug that would have put a grizzly to shame.

"Your mother, she knew. I think she always knew," said Devon. "I can't believe she's gone."

"I can't either," said Wilson. "What's all this about Basden, anyway?" he asked.

Devon threw his mug into the fireplace with a crash. The pottery shattered. Aella looked up with a start. "That Basden is up to no good. And his dad, the Baron, just wants the land. I have no way to fight back. If I cause too much of a problem, the Baron will just tax my Dad right out of his business. He's already pushed three of the town council out of business for disagreeing with him. It's like there is no law anymore, Wil." Devon shook his head. "Like there is no law at all."

The Black Oak Sword

Chapter 1: Part 1

Chapter 1: Part 2

Chapter 1: Part 3

Chapter 2: Part 1

Chapter 2: Part 2

Chapter 3:Part 1

Chapter 3:Part 2

Chapter 3:Part 3

Chapter 4:Part 1

Chapter 4:Part 2

Chapter 5

Chapter 6:Part 1

© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing

**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Max Pixel

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