Chapter 45 An Urgent Message

Thomas had burned dinner, again. Old Joseph ate without complaint, not only to be a good example to the others, but because that is the type of man he is. Not long after he'd settled into his meal, he received word an urgent scroll had arrived. Old Joseph stood and took the scroll. The others tried to hold back their curiosity, though it was difficult with the interesting things he muttered.

"A serious matter indeed."

"Ohh...yes, yes, an honor, an honor..."

"Must not be many left."

"Oh, the poor, poor dear."

Finally he left the room saying to himself, "I must make arrangements." Everyone else had eaten silently through Old Joseph's rumble. Now that he had left the room, they were eager to discuss the matter. Their faces were just lighting up with that moment before a most interesting discussion when they could hear Old Joseph returning. Then he addressed them all.
"Maids, wisemen, I have news.

"A tragedy struck the tribal kingdom.

"There has been a fire in the noble home of Lord and Lady Bushman.
"Lord Gabon Bushman is dead, leaving his wife, Lady Ebony Bushman a widow. She is without family.

"As you well know, it is not proper for a noblewoman to live alone."

At this the maidens tried to hide their smiles. They liked the idea of another woman for company. But of course they were sorry for the reason why.

"Because Lord Gabon had a home and land, a select number of men will be chosen to enter a series of contests for the lady's hand in marriage."

The maids were a touch disappointed the noblewoman would not join them.

"We wisemen have been invited to go if we wish. I made arrangements for all 4 of us to go.

Allen asked gently, "Wouldn't princes and nobleman be the first choice to try for the lady's hand?"

Thomas spoke up as well, "What if we don't want to go? What about Toren? He was ill only recently, and never did like to leave the Sanctuary. Aren't there noblemen there already? We are little more than peasant men! They will make fools of us! And what about the maids? We can't just leave them here alone, they are our responsibility!"

Old Joseph patted the air as if he comforted it. It had the effect he desired. Everyone quieted down.

"The plague has left fewer people upon this earth. Even in our travels, we saw few unmarried. In the past such invitations have not taken much notice here at the sanctuary. There may not be enough noblemen. We wisemen are usually not chosen to marry nobility, but it is certainly permitted. Can you imagine what it would be for that woman if she doesn't have the full number of men competing for her hand? It would be a dishonor on all of us if we "wise" men bestowed that wedding gift on a grieving widow. If plenty of noblemen show up, we shall simply go home.

"Remember Thomas, it is a wise man who is a fool for a woman. Do not be afraid to do something foolish to win the heart of a woman.

"Only 1 will wed this woman. It may or may not be one of us. These maids will still be in guardianship.

"And if 1 of us wed? Than I will trust that man to learn to love this woman. Anything else would not be wise, and perhaps cruel.

"Remember men, this is an honor and a privilege.

A different kind of silence befell the Sanctuary now. One could almost feel what rose in the breast of the men, the sense of honor, courage, sympathy...

"I will leave tomorrow, the rest of you will follow, first Allen, then Thomas, and last Toren."

"I don't understand. Why will we not all leave at the same time?" Allen indeed looked confused.

"We shall arrive separately. If the limit has been reached, then the first turned away can tell the others on the way home."

"How does this work exactly? We won't be put to battle against knights, will we?"

"No Allen. It works like this. Once the number have been chosen, those men will move into the Bushman household at the same time, honorably of course. The contests will be revealed one at a time. Whoever does poorest goes home. When there are but 2 men left, the lady chooses.

"What sort of contests?" Allen implored.

"Whatever will help determine the type of husband that will be good for her. Some may be a show of skill, or admirable personality traits, perhaps an interest in things the lady adores.

"Now I would like to finish my meal Thomas so graciously prepared."