“Sir Norrlen.” A guard marched forward and saluted to him as though he still held rank. “You have been summoned.”
Rawn frowned, wondering what for. He pondered on it as he walked through the castle and worried what it could mean. The scent of the dynalya flowers wrapped around the terrace columns kept him company until he came upon the heavy doors of the throne room. The castle guards posted there opened the doors for him. His father stood by the short set of stairs leading to a platform of stone that faced the room. Upon the throne, was the King of Greenwood.
Rawn woke up with a soft start.
He slowly straightened up where he had been napping on the dining room table. Speaking about Greenwood and emblems had stirred up old memories. That had been so long ago. He had barely been a man then.
Rawn sighed down at the page filled with script. It rested beside two envelopes.
He took a deep breath and rose to his feet, feeling some weight lift off his shoulders. His pack was already prepared in the chair beside him. He had been up early before dawn, too restless to get much sleep. So he had come down to write one more letter.
He stared at his handwriting. The last line was heavier than all the rest.
Sincerely yours.
Were letters truly enough anymore?
One year, he had told her.
It would only take him one year to find the Dragon’s Fang.
How naïve he had been.
Time was plenty for their kind. Rawn had assumed he would return before harvest, right as his son would take his first steps.
It was that heedless confidence that led him to accept such a mission. Or perhaps he was eager to show his gratitude toward King Leif for allowing him to marry Aerina.
Whatever his reasons, Rawn had given an oath to not return until he found the sword. He never imagined it would inadvertently force him away from home for this long. His wife was left with the burden of their estate, left to raise their son alone. Raiden was a young man now. If he lost his place in Aerina’s heart, she had good reason.
The door to the dining hall creaked open, and Lucenna peered inside. “Ah, I found you, Lord Norrlen.”
“Pardon, were you looking for me?”
“Yes, we are ready to go.”
That was all he needed to hear for the damper on his thoughts to lift. He was at last leaving Skelling. He would make it home this year. Even if his wife and son resented him, he wouldseethem again.
He would come home.
Rawn couldn’t help smiling at the thought.
“You’re happy to leave, aren’t you?” Lucenna said.
“Aren’t we all?” Zev stepped in with Dyna.
“Enough time has been spent here,” Rawn said, and they all glanced at the large open windows displaying the forest behind the manor, clear of snow. When they arrived, they were different people. After nearly four months here, they were leaving stronger. “Skelling Rise gave us shelter when we needed it, and we are thankful for that. Nevertheless, it is time to continue with our journey. There is much to be done.”
“Then why are we standing around here?” Zev chuckled. “Let’s go!”
Lucenna laughed. “Right behind you.”
Rawn gathered his belongings and tucked the envelopes away in his cloak. After what happened last time, he didn’t want to risk opening another portal. It was best to get a hold of a crystal so he could open one himself.
They headed out into the hallway together. Zev and Lucenna stepped out the front door, but Dyna lingered behind. She gazed into the grand hall for a moment. Rawn assumed she was perhaps remembering the day King Yoel had arrived, or another memory of the one she regretted remembering.
No … it wasn’t that.
Leaving this manor behind was the last connection she had to Cassiel. It was where so much happened. Good and bad. It was bitterly nostalgic.
