Von’s mouth twitched. He may look like Tarn, but that humor belonged to his uncle. “Do you remember anything?”
His face scrunched. “I … remember the flood and nearly drowning. You pulled me from the water...” Tavin blinked at him and at their surroundings. “Where are we? Where is my uncle?”
They were in an open field of rippling grass with a rushing river in the distance.
“We are somewhere south of the campsite, I take it. No telling how far the current took us. Once you gather your strength, we’ll search for the others.”
Worry and fear lined the boy’s features. “Do you think he’s alive?”
Von poked at the fire. “If I know your uncle, he’s out there somewhere.”
“Do you? Know him, I mean.”
Von avoided his gaze as he busied himself turning over the fish. “We’ve only met twice before.”
“Then why does Klyde say you’re dangerous?”
Von ignored the question. He was dangerous.
“I noticed your accent,” Tavin continued. “That tells me you’re from Azure.”
“All that tells you is that I’m from the north, laddie,” Von said dismissively. “The food is ready.”
Tavin snorted. “I’m no laddie.” He took a skewer and blew on the fish before taking a bite. “I’ll be fifteen summers old this year. Nearly a man now.”
Fifteen…
Dried mud caked Tavin’s clothing and face, but it didn’t hide how young he was. Von watched him eat, finding it surreal to be sitting across from his sister’s son. He’d only learned of the boy’s existence days ago. It almost didn’t feel real.
When he had found Aisling in her home, Von hardly looked. He didn’t want to see. Maybe if he had looked closer, he would have realized someone had pulled the babe from her body.
Still, the question remained. Would that have changed anything?
Sensing his stare, Tavin looked up with those eyes that reminded him of winter. Beneath the fire’s glow, his light brown hair nearly appeared white. He was the very image of Tarn at his age.
A sudden cold sensation crawled over Von’s skin, but it faded when Tavin canted his head and scrunched his mouth to the side. The same way Aisling did when puzzled.
“What is your name?”
“Von.” He grabbed the other skewer. “Most call me the Commander.”
Tavin’s eyes widened with awe as he stared at him for a long moment. “Are you an acquaintance of Lord Norrlen?” he asked next after taking another bite. “I assumed, since you’ve joined the escort for his rescue.”
Von paused at the mention of Rawn. They had also only met twice before. It was unfortunate that the elf fell to Red Highland, but admittedly, Von was glad Elon wasn’t around when it happened. He wouldn’t have involved himself in the matter otherwise, if not for the Maiden. “I am here out of obligation to Dyna.”
“Why?”
Ignoring the question, he focused on his meal.
“Do you owe her a debt?”
Von supposed he did.
“Oh, you must be another mercenary!” Tavin said as he admired the bandoliers of knives strapped to Von’s chest. “I am one, too.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Are you?”
“Aye.” Tavin straightened his shoulders proudly. “I’m a Skelling Mercenary. We’re known as the Skulls who bow to no one. Surely, you’ve heard of us.” He flushed at the skeptical stare Von fixed on him and shrugged sheepishly. “Well, I haven’t officially joined yet, but I am due to finish my training. My uncle, Klyde, is the captain. Many kings and lords have paid handsomely for his service.”
