Chapter Thirteen
Lia
Lia knocked on the door, pleased to see it was Dyna who answered the door. “Dyna, may I come in for a chat?”
“Of course. The girls can’t wait to see you. I hope all is well. You don’t have bad news, do you, Lia? We haven’t seen Hagen, Jowell, or Paden since last eve.”
“Nay, all is well. They are assisting in another matter.”
“My brother? Is he close?”
“Aye, he is with Brynja. Do not worry about them, but they have a task to do before he returns. He should be here on the morrow.” The lass of six summers, who claimed to be a guardian angel and thought of by some as a green faery, strode past Dyna and into the great hall. The bairns were playing near the hearth and wee Grant took one look at her and squealed.
“Thank the Lord above,” Maitland said. “Grant has been calling for you, Lia.”
She moved right over to the lad who was tied to his father’s chest, facing outward so he could see everyone. His chubby legs kicked as if he were chasing down two deer so Maitland took a seat in a nearby stool to get the lad to her level. Lia took both of Grant’s hands in hers, something that stilled the boy instantly. “Grant, have you been upset about something?”
“Wia, Wia.” He stuck his fist into his mouth.
“Come, sit down next to me. You weigh too much for me to hold you. I fear you would toss yourself from my lap in three breaths.”
Maitland said, “He would. You are not strong enough for him, Lia.”
“He is a most special bairn, my lord.”
Tora, Sylvi, and Sandor raced over to her side, all anxious to give her a hug. Sylvi asked, “Are you staying with us for a time, Lia? Please?”
Lia took a chair near the hearth, folded her hands in her lap, and said, “You know I cannot do such a thing. But I wish to know how you are doing. Have you been well or sickly?”
“Well. We are all well,” Sylvi answered.
Dyna said, “I’ll tell you my thoughts. Sylvi and Tora have had terrible nightmares. Grant spends all his time whining for Lia and Bria. And Sandor constantly asks for Uncle Jake as if he is only happy when he is around. And if any one of them is disappointed, they cry and carry on for hours.”
“Oh, dear. I’ll see if I can do something about that.”
“I wish you would. I’m lost and don’t know how to help any of them.”
“You love them and must be nearby in case they need you. That’s not so difficult, is it? she asked with a wide smile. “Your love is truly all they need.”
“But I don’t want them to be so troubled,” Dyna said.
Lia sat down on the floor on a special rug for the bairns. “Come sit with me, all of you.” She motioned to Sylvi and Tora, then Sandor followed while Maitland set Grant in her lap.
“He won’t fall far since you’re on the floor.” He looked at Maeve to see if she approved, and she nodded.
Just the opposite happened. Grant stuck his thumb in his mouth and leaned back against Lia, as calm as he’d ever been.
“Good, I was hoping to talk with all of you. You’re having nightmares, lassies?”
Tora nodded, Sylvi scowled.
“Magni tells me how much he misses you.”
“We miss him too,” Sylvi said. “Would you please bring him along next visit?”
“I would love to, but he refuses to leave the Isle of Iona. I don’t know why. What do you think about that?”
Tora nodded. “He’s afwaid.”
