Von swallowed back the knot in his throat. “Hello, laddie.”
Tavin laughed shyly at that and scuffed his boot in the dirt. “Why did you leave Azurite?”
He looked like an unsure child then, a little sad and confused about the way of his life. A sentiment Von recognized from when he had been a boy.
Von sat on a stone bench and leaned forward on his knees. “Well, after the Horde came, there were too many bad memories for me in that place. I had to go and try to … forget.”
And to repay a heavy debt.
Tavin sat beside him. “Can I ask what happened that day? It’s too painful for Klyde and mum to speak about. Everyone who fought the Horde is dead. I am only told stories, but I want the truth. What happened to my real mother and father?”
Von could see the question had plagued him. Tavin was ready to learn about his past, but he hesitated to answer. “What does Klyde tell you?”
“That my mother died giving birth to me, and my father died defending the town.”
That was the best version Klyde could have given him.
If only it were true.
Von looked up at the sky, letting his mind drift to the screams and stench of death. “Tarn ... fought through the masses, even as he bled from grave wounds. He led his company and cut down every troll that came until he was the last man standing.”
“That … sounds true.”
“It is,” Von insisted.
Tavin frowned. “But you have the same look on your face when Klyde tells me the same story.”
“What look is that?”
His pale eyes grew sullen. “That it’s only part of the truth.”
“Lad, it’s the only part that matters.” Von mussed his nephew’s messy brown curls, making him snort. “I see your mother in you. You have her smile, her freckles, her unruly hair. You have her laughter and kindness. Her spirit shines in you.” As he spoke, Tavin’s eyes grew wet, and Von pulled him into an embrace. “Thank you for existing.”
Von had lost much in his life, but he was grateful for this. His nephew arrived at a time when he needed some proof that not all was lost. The town still stood, his mother lived, and he had family.
But Tavin had a target placed on his head the day he was born. Von decided right then he would die before ever failing him. And if he lived merely to protect his sister’s sweet boy, it was the greatest purpose he could have found.
CHAPTER 91
Lucenna
Lucenna watched the sunset at her bedroom window as she towel-dried her wet hair. Her long soak in the bath helped ease her stiff muscles, especially after a long day of training with that old elf. Once she slipped on a casual dress, she left to join the others for dinner but heard a clattering when she opened her door.
On the doorknob hung a thin gold chain with a small glass vial containing a four-leaf clover.
Growling to herself, Lucenna snatched the chain and stormed to Klyde’s room.
She barged in and tossed it on his pillow. “I don’t want it!” she snapped. “Have I not already made that clear?”
Klyde paused by the bed, in the middle of packing his clothes into his bag. She froze at the sight of it.
Crossing her arms, Lucenna focused on her irritation to regain her composure. “I have lost count of how many times I have returned that clover to you. Why do you insist on giving it to me?”
He looked at her steadily, his expression subdued. “You need that more than I do.” Picking it up, he held it out to her. “Take it. At least so my conscience is clear.”
Lucenna clenched her fists. “Klyde, I don’t need you to save me. I can take care of myself. Neither I nor anyone faults you for what happened at the keep. Going there was my choice. I knew the risks. Getting wounded in battle, especially one of magic, is inevitable.”
He clenched his jaw. “It doesn’t have to be.”
