“Relations with the Guilds are important, but The Vill, Weston, Ka’Din, and especially Southton are vital to the Tower’s future. Without their support and the trade that passes through each, the Land will suffer.” —Memoirs of Lady Lilian

  Tower Castle, Cryptonia, Ground Plane

  Jasper and his advisors worked long days and many late nights to prepare for the celebration of his official recognition as Lord of the Tower. The man himself felt stretched thin due to his persistent and thorough training with Titus, Benn, and Harla. Once he had settled into a rhythm with his other instructors, Calian had added his own personal class on cultural and social practices. The steward also taught him the intricacies of the confirmation ceremony he would undertake half way through the celebration. They practiced in Jasper’s chambers, away from prying eyes. Jasper felt like he was the Man in the Iron mask, learning how to pretend to be the perfect noble to fool his presumed peers into giving him what he wanted. He said as much to Calian after a long session on proper court posture that had his back screaming for a rest.

  “But you are not.” Jasper tilted his head, confused.

  “I’m not what?”

  “Pretending.” Calian looked at him with complete confidence. “Even if they have lived their entire lives groomed to be the perfect example of the peerage, that does not mean they are worthy of it.” He turned to regard Jasper, clasping his hands behind his back. “Nor does the fact you have had none of their training until now make you of less worth or deserving of respect than they.” That made Jasper smile.

  “Thank you, Calian.”

  “That being said,” the vampire went on. “The majority of them will probably not see things in the same light.”

  “Of that I have no doubt.” Jasper sighed. “Things are not so different in my world. The clothes are nicer here, though.”

  “That is actually one of the things on our schedule this afternoon,” said Calian, pulling out his trusty notepad. “A trip to The Vill to fit you for court clothes.”

  “That sounds exciting. I was wondering when I would get to see more of the countryside.”

  “It will also be an excellent opportunity for you to meet some of the locals and city officials.”

  “Wonderful. When did you plan to go?”

  “Shortly. Titus is selecting a squad from the house guard. He should be ready for us.” Jasper smiled broadly, excited by the idea of exploring more of the new world he inhabited.

  “Well then, let’s get going.” Calian assisted him in donning his armor and they descended the spiral staircase. When the Keep’s doors opened, Notch stood patiently in the outer courtyard, saddled and ready to leave. Delgan and his squad of veterans were standing by their mounts in chainmail, armor and helmets. Aesil, Vek, Jonno, and Nima snapped to attention when he stepped out. They had green cloaks that bore the new symbol of the castle hanging from their shoulders. There was a lance displaying the banner resting against Jonno’s shoulder as well, the butt grounded beside his dapple gray. Jasper could not help but smile as he took in the sight of his companions. He had only ever seen things like this in movies, and now he was the lord being escorted.

  Titus appeared at his elbow, tugging on his riding gloves. He too wore a helmet and cloak. Calian was on Jasper’s left, wearing a red and black outfit. He had opted to wear a well-fitted jacket and cape. A red cravat was tied around his neck and silver buttons flashed in the morning sun down his breast. On his head was a broad-brimmed hat with one side folded up that Jasper thought made him look like a Musketeer working for the Cardinal instead of King Louis XIV. He checked over Notch’s tack one final time before taking the reins from Yuli and standing by the horse’s head.

  “It’s a beautiful day for a ride, Lord,” said Titus, his breath steaming the air. “I expect we had better get under way before it starts to warm up terribly.”

  “Agreed.” Jasper nodded. He slipped a boot into his stirrup and swung up into the saddle. Notch grumbled a bit but relaxed as he settled. He tied his own helmet to his saddlebag so Calian could hand him the reins. The vampire’s cape whirled in a flutter of linen as he sat atop the stunning silver black horse that was bedecked with a similar color scheme to her rider. She tossed her sleek mane and pawed the cobblestones. “Showing off, Calian?” Jasper grinned at the immortal who sat with the grace of an experienced horseman. The human thought it natural, considering all the centuries Calian had to practice.

  “Not at all, my Lord.” His perfect teeth flashed as the others mounted, and the troupe headed through the main gate. “Star is merely excited to be on the road. I have had little time to take her out myself of late.”

  “Just ‘Star’?” Jasper looked over the mare’s shimmering coat and shook his head. “I’d have thought such a stunning creature deserved a more extravagant name.” Calian chuckled.

  “She has, ser. Her full name is ‘Starry Night’.” He bent to pat the horse’s neck affectionately. “It is a simple nickname, better used in conversation.” Star shook her head and snorted. “Yes, yes, my love. We’ll be off soon.”

  “Can you, um…” Jasper nodded at the vampire’s mount with a quizzical expression. “Speak horse?”

  “No, he can’t,” Titus butted in, laughing. “They’ve just been together so long it’s like an old married couple—they can about read one another’s thoughts.”

  “We have an understanding,” corrected Calian, raising a gloved finger. “As much training as you’ve put into Notch, I believe the relationship Star and I have is a bit more personal.”

  “She’s the only thing he loves more than the Tower, ser,” said Titus.

  “She has been my ever-present companion for many years,” the vampire shrugged.

  “How long, exactly?”

  “Hmm. Some two hundred years now? She is the foal of two Windsteeds belonging to an old friend, and like me,” he grinned over his shoulder, “Star ages like fine wine.” Jasper laughed. They settled into a loose formation; Jonno and Nima rode in front with Jasper and Titus behind them. Nima had her bow and quiver of arrows laced to her saddle. Calian rode alone in the third rank with Aesil and Vek bringing up the rear. All of the guards wore swords and daggers, but when Jasper had asked, the immortal had chuckled darkly and insisted he did not need one.

  The small company rode along the dirt road toward The Vill. They passed a few farms along the outskirts. Dogs barked and ran beside them. Some of those people out in gardens and yards waved to him, and he returned the gesture. It grew more and more densely populated as the group drew closer to the center of town. The majority of the structures were made of hardwood harvested from the Greenwood and surrounding groves. Plank, log, and shingle houses lined the gravel streets. There were stone lodgings as well, for the more well-off families or establishments. Jasper took note of the various shop signs and storefronts. He felt like he was in a dream or playing a surreal video game, despite having awoken in his Tower bedroom each morning since his arrival.

  His trips to the fair on Earth were always filled with excitement, but the realism of his experiences on that first day in The Vill was unlike anything he had seen before. The immersion of fairs was always marred by attendees wearing modern clothing, using phones, or speaking ‘normally’. There was no breaking character in the city before Jasper, it was simply the way things were. He was Lord of the Tower, and these people expected him to behave like it.

  ‘That doesn’t mean I have to be a tyrant,’ he thought to himself. He took extra care to smile and be polite to the folk he saw. Most stepped to the side of his small procession, bowing or inclining their heads.

  “Where to first, Calian?” He asked over his shoulder.

  “It would be prudent to visit the tailor first, Lord,” said the steward. “Mistress Morana is also a member of the city council and has expressed a desire to meet you.”

  “Good. Anything I should know?”

  “Nothing in particular. She has been a prominent member of the community here for some time. She is a part of the Textile Guild, one of the few organizations still actively trading within our country. I daresay her shops and their work kept us afloat on occasion. Oh.” He held up a finger. “She is also a gnome, so bear that in mind.”

  “Ah, I see. Well, she will likely be happy to know I intend to bring more business her way.” Jasper and Calian shared a smile. The human was excited to meet yet another of the various races populating his new world. When they entered The Vill proper, there were significantly more people about. Some led animals pushed or rode in carts to and from the marketplace, which Jasper could see only due to his elevation on horseback.

  Geese honked, roosters crowed, cows lowed, and pedestrians chattered away at one another in dozens of different accents and several languages. Jasper took in the scene with a faint smile. Again, he felt as if he had stepped into a video game or movie. He could hardly believe it. The scenery itself was troubling. The main street was relatively well-kept, but several of the buildings looked to be in rough shape. Jasper was just about to mention it to his companions when the two guards in front of him halted.

  The riders came to a stop before a store with glass windows displaying the clothing inside. Jasper was impressed by the quality of the items. A wooden sign carved to look like a thread bobbin with several needles stuck through the blue thread hung over the door. Gilt lettering was painted on the thread to read “Pins and Needles” in clean curly script. All dismounted, Delgan and the guards taking Calian, Jasper, and Titus’ reins. The steward opened the shop door and held it for the others. A little bell chimed when the door eased shut.

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  “I’ll be with you in a moment!” Called a shrill female voice from behind racks of shirts.

  Jasper took in the clothing before him and was disappointed to find that none of the items inside were more impressive than those in the windows. That was not necessarily a bad thing, given that The Vill was situated in such an agrarian region. Simple and reliable tough clothes would be in significantly higher demand than fancy court dress. There was the sound of shuffling feet in the direction the voice had come, accompanied by quiet conversation that grew louder as the pair of figures emerged from the racks.

  One was a young girl holding a pair of peasant dresses, one folded neatly atop the other. She wore another, and Jasper surmised it was also new based on the fact the other woman—clearly the gnomish proprietor, from her stature—was folding a worn-out dress in both hands as she walked the girl back to the front. Morana was perhaps waist-high to Jasper. Her hair was black with streaks of grey. She had a long nose and pointed ears, with many wrinkles on her face.

  “—those should last you much longer than that ratty old thing, Allie. Come back if you need anything else, dearie. You know my door is always open.”

  “Yes, Miss Morana. Thank you.” Allie bowed and smiled gratefully at the gnome, whose eyes crinkled kindly as the girl left. She blushed and gave a small curtsy before slipping past Jasper. Morana regarded her new customers with an intrigued eyebrow raised. Recognizing Calian, her gaze focused on Jasper for a moment before flashing with understanding. She mirrored Allie’s curtsy, though with much more grace than the girl had managed.

  “My Lord,” she said, rising with a smile. “I am honored to meet you.”

  “Mistress Morana.” Jasper bowed as he had been taught. He still felt the motion was a bit stiff, but he managed. “The honor is mine.”

  “I’m pleased that you have come down from the Tower to visit. I am of a mind that a leader must be present among his people to truly appreciate the state of his land. Do you come on court business?” She tilted her head slightly to the side, looking for all the world to be sizing him up. He realized she probably was, considering her profession.

  “Partially,” Jasper smiled. “I come from a small town myself, but I know that even in a place such as this, city elders and wise leaders are well respected by the people. I wished to meet with the various council members and establish good relations with those pillars of the community here. Another reason was that I wished to take the time to invite the council members myself.” He chuckled. “I’ve also been made aware that a soldier’s uniform is not well-suited to a Lord’s court duties.” He indicated the surcoat decorated with his chosen coat of arms and the simple calf-high boots he wore. Morana grinned.

  “You have come to the right place then, Lord. I have sewn several pieces for previous nobles both native to the Land and visitors. I’d be honored to do so again for you. And your invitation is most graciously accepted.” She bowed.

  “Thank you.” Jasper smiled and inclined his head gratefully.

  “Would you like to take a look at what we have in stock? It may give you some insight on what style you would prefer.”

  “That sounds marvelous.”

  “Very good. Aron!” She called out and, in a moment, a young human man appeared in a side hall. He was dressed smartly in an outfit somewhat similar to Calian’s. Aron’s servant’s uniform was less impressive than the vampire’s, with simple buttons and no offsetting interior color, but it was perfectly fitted to his form.

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “His Lordship wishes to peruse, and afterward we’ll be doing a fitting.”

  “Of course, ma’am.” Aron smiled easily and bowed to Jasper. “Milord.” Morana gestured with a small hand down a nearby aisle hung with buttoned coats, jackets, and similar outerwear. She began walking down the row, pointing out various garments for her assistant to take down, talking to Jasper as she went. He quickly followed.

  “The style at the Imperial Court these days is very retrospective. The Emperor is an elder man by human standards and clings to the fashions of his day.” She had Aron hold up a hanger bearing red robes to be fastened at the waist with a thick belt, stockings, and wooden-heeled shoes. In his free hand, Aron held a puffy, round cap, with a long feather. Jasper’s eyebrows went up and Morana smirked at his reaction. “Perhaps not.”

  “No,” he agreed. “It may suit the Emperor, but I’d prefer something a bit more functional and comfortable. Something like his, or Calian’s coats.” He pointed to Aron and his own companion. “There was a similar style in my world, and I always liked the look.”

  “Ah, I see.” She waved her hand and Aron replaced the gaudy clothing, moving down towards many coats and vests. Aron followed the gnome’s directions and selected several different styles and hues for Jasper to look over. “It is a custom to wear the colors of the house or region to which a noble belongs. Is this what you had in mind?”

  “Yes, unless there is a special occasion.” Morana cupped her chin in her tiny hand and nodded thoughtfully.

  “Hmm, the forest green, wheat yellow, steel silver-, and stone-grey coat sets, Aron, if you don’t mind.” He dutifully set aside all but the colors she had chosen, hanging the selected items from a rod. They were positioned in such a way so that the clothing could be observed from every angle. “Do any of these catch your eye, my Lord?”

  Jasper stepped up to get a closer look. He started at the far-left end of the line and slowly around several of the outfits. Some of them were still too flashy for his taste, and those he ignored after a brief glance. His gaze skipped over the brighter colors and settled on several different green and grey jackets with accompanying trousers.

  The cut of the jackets resembled the American colonial style so prominently displayed in paintings and movies, but somehow Morana’s wares seemed sleeker, more dashing. The sleeves and cuffs were more streamlined, closer fitting than the thick, inelastic wool of Earth. Several had flourishes of fine stitching artfully sewn into the base material that gave them a beautiful contrast to a plain coat. Jasper stopped in front of one dark green suit that had stitched vines creeping over the shoulders, small pink flowers opening on the lapels. The buttons were polished bronze and glinted in the lamplight.

  “I like this,” he said, reaching out to feel the sleeve. It was soft, but felt quite durable.

  “An excellent choice, Lord. This is a special blend of linen made only in Ka’din, to the north. I have good relations with the dwarves, so they give me some of the choicest selections.”

  “That is good,” said Jasper. “It is important to maintain good friendships with neighbors.”

  “Agreed.” She smiled, and he continued on to the next several items. He ended up choosing a vest with leaves that seemed to fall when the fabric moved, along with a simple grey coat with short tails and a small pine tree sewn into the left lapel. But he kept coming back to the coat with vines. “You like this one, yes?” Morana said knowingly.

  “Mmm.” Jasper studied it but felt that something was missing. A grin pulled at his lips. “The coat tails are too long for my taste. A quarter of the length would be more to my liking.” He folded up one of the sections of the fabric to show the seamstress. “Like this. Something that won’t get in the way of sitting and standing from a chair, as I expect I will be doing a great deal of at functions in the future. I would also have something unique added, if that is possible.”

  “If it is within my power, it will be done.”

  “It should be easy for someone of your talents,” he chuckled, gesturing at the fine clothes around them. Morana’s small chest swelled with pride. “I would like a rendition of the Tower on the back. Nothing so audacious as the castle walls hung with banners on the yellow piece over there, but a simple thing.”

  “A clear sign of your allegiance if ever there was one,” Calian said with a small smile.

  “Exactly,” said Jasper, returning his expression. “I would like the grey and the vined coats, along with comfortable trousers to complement them.”

  “Yes, my Lord, it will be done.” Morana nodded and Aron took down the garments he had selected to be put aside in a closet separate from the others. “If you’ll follow me to the fitting room, Lord Jasper, we will take your measurements to make any necessary adjustments for the best possible fit of the suits.”

  “Of course.” Jasper obeyed and stepped through into a lounge with several mirrors arranged in a semicircle. He stood in the middle without instruction and waited as Aron and his mistress withdrew measuring cords much like his armorer, Dool, had used when issuing him armor.

  Morana had Jasper remove the outer layers of his uniform and bid him stand as relaxed as possible before the pair spent several minutes moving over every inch of his body with their strings, muttering lengths and adjustments to one another. Morana stood on a step stool to reach Jasper’s shoulders, chest, and neck while Aron moved back and forth from his work to take notes on a sheet of parchment. At last, the final inch had been mapped, and Jasper imagined the seamstress could sew a copy of him down to the last hair if she so desired. The gnome hung her string across her shoulders and clasped both hands in front of her.

  “Now, we have a selection of shoes and boots available, but if you desire any particular special order, you will need to see a cobbler. Leather is a tricky thing on a good day, and footwear doubly so.” Jasper had made many lucky finds at thrift stores on Earth, so he was more than happy to take a look. You never knew what diamond in the rough you might uncover.

  “Let’s see them.” Morana smiled and nodded. She led him to several shelves on one wall, displaying rows of shoes. They varied in size, style, and color. Jasper immediately gravitated to the larger, more basic black and brown leather boots and loafers. He chose a few pairs and sat to try them on. One was too tight, but the others fit quite well. ‘Another win for the unwillingness to exert extra effort,’ Jasper smirked to himself. He looked up and noticed Morana’s curious stare. “I’m a man of simple tastes,” he chuckled.

  “I see,” she smiled and collected his two chosen pairs of shoes. Both were leather, one was a plain set of comfortable turn shoes and the other was a pair of shiny black ankle boots. “It will take some time for alterations to be made for the clothing you have chosen,” Morana said apologetically. “The grey suit is a near fit, but I will need to make the green from scratch as we do not currently have one close to your size.” Jasper waved her away.

  “Not at all, I understand completely. I dabbled a bit in stitching at home, but nothing so intricate as this—” he laughed easily. “This is art.” Morana beamed up at him. “Take all the time you need. Custom must be observed, but if I have to hold court as nothing but a simple soldier, I will do so.” Her smile vanished.

  “Oh no, that simply won’t do! Aron, prepare my things, we’ll start immediately.” Jasper held up his hands, stifling a grin.

  “Wait, wait! Please, I appreciate your enthusiasm, Miss Morana, but there is some time before I have need of them. The celebration is in several weeks.”

  “Hmm. That is plenty of time,” she nodded, tapping her chin. “Very well. I will send Aron with them once we are finished, Lord.”

  “Your hard work is much appreciated, Mistress.” Jasper smiled. “Calian, pay the fine lady.”

  “Of course, ser.” The steward produced a coin purse and Aron walked with him to the front desk where he tallied the price of Jasper’s items. When the young noble turned back to Morana, she was studying him curiously with her bright eyes.

  “Is something wrong?” He asked, brows furrowing. She shook her greying head.

  “Nothing. You are just unlike any man I have ever met, ser. If you don’t mind me saying so.”

  “Not at all. I think I am used to it by now,” he laughed. “I hope it is a good kind of difference?” Now it was her turn to smirk.

  “Yes, it is. There is an open honesty about you that I have found to be rare. Most people hide themselves from the truth, but you seem to present yourself without reservations.” Jasper knew that was not true, no one was completely without reservations. It was one of the things that made people human—or ‘mortal’ he supposed, to any of the other sentient races present on the Ground Plane. But he kept that to himself.

  “Thank you, Mistress Morana. Both for your kind words and your hard work. I look forward to hearing from you, and of course, working with you in the future.”

  “Likewise, my Lord.” She bowed, and Jasper’s party departed the shop before continuing further into town.