Finn said nothing for a long moment. Then in a tentative voice he said, “Maybe when Sarah is asleep you could help me finish burying my mama? I don’t want Sarah to watch. I think it might scare her.”
Fates.
No child should have to bury his mother, but he certainly shouldn’t have to be brave while doing it. Finn needed protection just as much as his sisters did, even if the boy didn’t recognize it.
A lump swelled in Venn’s throat. “Yes,” he managed to say. “I’ll help you.”
Chapter 7
Vera
Vera didn’t have much experience with children. She had no younger siblings, and she’d only assisted in the castle nursery a few times before becoming Serene’s maid. Her lack of practice didn’t stop her from holding the infant close, though. She rocked the babe gently, offering a low, soothing hum as nurturing instincts took over.
Once the infant no longer fussed, she turned her attention to Sarah. The young girl watched her closely, a thumb in her mouth and an expectant look in her eyes.
Trying not to be intimidated by that, Vera forced a smile. “Let’s see what we can do while we wait for Finn and Venn to get back.” A quick glance around the small camp brought her attention to the pile of wet cloths on the ground. They were small rags, clearly cut from the skirt of a dress, and their purpose was easily guessed.
Cradling the baby close, Vera stooped to pick through the wet soiling cloths. They were clean—well, rinsed—and while some were now covered in clinging dirt, a few were unscathed from the fall. She shook them out and spread them on a nearby rock. The heated stone would help dry it, as would the summer air.
She set aside the dirty cloths so she could wash them again later.
Sarah shadowed her, chatting away as she chewed her thumb. The girl was clearly not shy, nor as defensive as her older brother. She talked to Vera about her baby sister, and Finn, and her parents. She asked about what food Vera had, and she listed out her favorite foods. Her small round face was streaked with dirt, and the light brown hair that fell to her shoulders was filthy. Her dress was worn, and it hung too loosely on her frame, though Vera suspected it had fit well once.
Vera hoped Venn hurried back with their supplies. Sarah needed to eat.
The babe had fallen into an exhausted sleep against Vera’s chest. Her cries had worn her out. How long had it been since she’d eaten? Like Sarah, the babe needed a bath. Her heart ached for them—and for poor Finn.
He’d been so brave, facing off against Venn—so protective of his sisters. So afraid, but willing to fight for them.
Venn had handled the entire situation perfectly. From his crouched posture to the careful timbre of his voice, he had slowly put Finn at ease. Vera had loved watching Venn interact with them. She’d had no idea he was so comfortable with children, but it made sense—Venn was good with people. He always knew what to say, how to behave. Of course that would extend to children.
In no time at all, Venn and Finn returned with the horse. Finn still held his dagger, but it was down by his side now.
While Venn tied off the horse, Finn hurried to stand by Sarah. For a moment Vera thought he might ask to hold the infant, too. But then Venn carried a pack over to them, and Finn maneuvered to sit on the ground between Venn and Sarah.
“Let’s see what we have,” Venn said, shooting a smile toward the children. He pulled out a roll, and Sarah’s eyes went wide. She was already grabbing for it, and Venn set it in her dirt-streaked hands. She immediately started eating.
Venn found another roll, which he passed to Finn. The boy attacked it just as quickly as his sister had, the dagger slipping to the ground beside him.
Over their heads, Venn met Vera’s gaze. So much was said in their exchanged look, and she knew they were in agreement. Reaching Duvan and warning Serene was important, but helping these children was more so. Serene had Dirk and Cardon to protect her, but these children had no one.
Venn pulled out some cheese folded in cloth, and he handed each child a piece. “Eat slowly,” he cautioned. “It will settle better in your stomachs.”
They did seem to try, but Vera knew how difficult it was to eat carefully when you were so hungry. Venn fed them a piece at a time until they gradually slowed, and then he closed up the pack. “I’ll give you more soon,” he said. “We’ll let that rest inside you for a bit.”
Sarah’s eyelids drooped, and she leaned against her brother’s shoulder. “When is Da coming back?” she asked softly, her thumb pushed back in her mouth.
“Soon,” Finn assured her, an almost defiant edge to his tone.
Sarah was soon dozing, and Venn spoke quietly to Finn. “Your father has been gone a long time. Waiting for him here may not be the wisest course.”
Finn’s body stiffened. “We’re not leaving. If we go, he won’t find us.”
“We can go to Zahdir,” Venn offered. “We can try to find him at that camp you mentioned.”
“No. He’ll come back. He’ll worry if we’re gone.”
“We can give it a few more days,” Vera broke in gently, speaking softly so as not to wake the baby. She looked to Venn. “We need milk for the baby, and better food for Finn and Sarah. We need to rebuild their strength before we travel anywhere.”
