Dreamwalker's Bride - Chapter 214

Chapter 214: Magic Users
Ford stared. Mia flushed as everyone looked at her.

“It’s not a secret,” She pursed her lips defensively. “Uncle Trace tried to keep his magic a secret for a long time, and that wound up going very badly.”

“Mia,” Sarah’s voice held a warning, which Ford desperately wanted the young woman to disregard. What were they hiding?

“I’m sorry, I’m just very curious.” Ford ducked his head.

He wondered if they were all rich because of magic, like how Martin had made more money than the other miners. It would make this fine, clean house make sense to him. None of the bunkhouses were this well made; he was willing to bet there weren’t even leaks in this roof.

“That’s natural,” Grandpa smiled lightly and waved three fingers in the air. Ford watched a pair of moths come in through an open window and land on the old man’s index finger. “Say hi to Mothbert and TiMOTHy.”

“Excuse me?” Ford blinked several times.

“Don’t show off, Dear,” Grandma told the man.

“They are pollinators. Help the crops,” Grandpa leaned forward and told Ford as if it were some great secret.

“I’ve asked for no insects at the table,” Sarah smiled tightly, and Grandpa sighed.

“It’s their bedtime anyway. Work at night. Go to bed, boys.” The old man pointed, and the bugs flew out the window.

Grandma looked mildly exasperated, but the old man winked at Ford.

“You have magic,” Ford said hesitantly.

“The best, least creepy of all powers,” The old man joked. “Controlling insects.”

Ford had nothing to say to that. He’d heard all magical powers were different, but he hadn’t anticipated encountering one so specific and odd.

“Wow,” He responded, hoping it didn’t come across as sarcastically as he felt it. “I’m sure your mother was thrilled with that.”

His own mother had hated bugs… at least, that was one of the few things he remembered about her.

Grandpa was silent for a moment, and then changed the subject.

“Is there any more bacon? I’ve got a hard day’s work ahead and need it.”

“I made extra,” Mia smiled and passed the plate to her grandfather.

“That’s why you’re my favorite granddaughter,” Grandpa winked, and she giggled.

“I’m his only granddaughter,” She confided to Ford. “I only have brothers, and all my cousins are boys.”

Ford tried to act as if he were interested, but the way her smile faded, he must have failed. It really just added to his picture of her as an insanely spoiled, pampered, treasured girl.

It made him sick.

Since Grandpa was having seconds, Ford cautiously helped himself to an additional portion of each item. It was all delicious. For all Mia’s insufferable qualities, at least she could cook well.

The rest of the conversation flowed around Ford, rather than being addressed to him, and he relaxed the barest amount. He didn’t want to offend these people and be deprived of the sustenance and rest they offered.

At the same time, he hated how lovely and easy their life appeared.

“We’re off to get the West field planted,” Seth announced as he stood up. “Just yell if you need anything.”

Ford wondered whether their farm was actually quite small to be able to hear yelling all the way across it. Perhaps farms did not need to be large to feed these people?

Grandpa stood as well, stretching his shoulders and looking momentarily at Ford.

“Behave yourself,” He warned lightly.

“Yes, Sir.” Ford ducked his head.

“I’ve prepared the guest room for you,” Grandma told him. “Do you want to go lay down now, or sit up for a while?”

Ford considered the options. He had less chance of offending anyone if he were sequestered in a room by himself, but he had more chance of learning about this family’s strange magic if he stayed out here… and he found himself wanting to learn more.

“I think I’d like to sit up,” He decided. He’d never been so clean before, and he wanted to enjoy the feeling for a while.

Odd as it was.

“Let me help you to the sofa. You can put your leg on the table–just because it’s injured, of course, feet don’t normally go on our furniture–and rest. If you want company, we can take turns sitting with you after we finish some of the chores,” Sarah put in.

“That’s very kind,” Ford responded, not knowing what else to say. His crutch was brought, and he hobbled his way to the sitting area where a cushioned sofa and some chairs sat facing the fireplace.

“Comfortable?” Sarah asked gently.

“Yes. This is interesting furniture,” He commented. The things in the mine bunkhouses were crude and utilitarian. These things looked fancy, and he recalled the rocking chairs from outside.

“Grandpa loves making things,” Mia smiled. “He makes all the furniture. Papa helps.”

Ford frowned. Furniture making would have been its own trade in Foundrel. Is that why these people were so wealthy, with this large house and ample food? Because they had learned multiple trades and did them all?

He wondered if the wealth he got from the cave, if he managed to find it, would compare to what these people were able to do.

“They did a good job,” Ford answered at last, and Mia beamed. He tried not to sneer. He said something approving of her father and grandfather and the girl looked as if he’d complimented her directly.

“Rest up, we’ll be back to check on you,” Grandma told him. “Holler if you need something, we’ll hear.”

“I’m not terribly loud,” Ford told her. In the mines, things echoed. Though it was often necessary to yell and be heard over the sound of the pickaxes at work, most people just stayed quiet and spoke softly on the rare occasion they had anything to say.

Grandma smiled at him a little oddly, and he tried to smile back. It wasn’t a natural position for his face, and felt uncomfortable. The ladies all left the room, dispersing to various tasks, leaving him, once again,

Alone.