The day waned, and we continued working. And as the sun set, we helped pile newly found bodies onto pyres. In my mind, I continued an inventory of repairs yet to be made. Homes without doors or windows. Missing slates on too many rooftops. Peoplewearing worn, scorched clothing, the only items they still possessed. We’d all donate or craft what we could with magic. I'd enlist the lords, ladies, and staff at the castle the moment I arrived back home.
As the sun dipped lower, Lore’s steady gaze often met mine. We tracked each other, tethered by the love burning in our hearts.
When we paused by a well to drink, he brushed the back of his hand against mine. “They see your strength, Wildfire, and so do I.”
47
Lore
Night had long since fallen before we returned to the castle with a long trail of adults and carts with sleepy children behind us.
Inside, Lord Briscalar met us once again. Like in the city, he quickly took charge, sending messengers to the manors telling the lords and ladies that guests would soon arrive.
“I have this in hand, Your Majesties.” He dipped forward in a quick bow. “Some volunteered rooms in their homes while others… Let us say that they’ve been persuaded to lend their assistance.” His sharp gaze met mine. “I reminded them of who provided protection, of who they owed allegiance to.”
Bloodsworn.
His worried gaze traveled across us both. Wemust look as bad as we felt. We were tired. Worn out both physically and emotionally, and there was still too much left that needed to be done.
“Direct me,” I said, and Reyla nodded.
“I’d like you to…” Frowning, the lord tapped his chin. “Go to your suite. Bathe. Eat the meal I’ll send up. Remain there until morning.”
“We need to do more,” Reyla leaned into my side, but it was anyone’s guess who was propping who up.
“Tomorrow is soon enough.” Briscalar reached out and rubbed her shoulder. “You’ll be no help at all if you collapse, my dear.”
“There’s so much to do.” The heart wrenching agony in her voice made me turn and lift her into my arms. The fact that she didn’t protest but snuggled against me told me all I needed to know.
“Perfect.” Lord Briscalar’s eyes lightened with approval. With a sharp nod, he turned and directed attendants and lords and ladies alike in a seamless way. “Lady Yoolar, station your servants at the outer gates. Have them guide guests who have yet to arrive into the main ballroom. Windest? Make sure supplies from the castle’s second storeroom are brought up immediately. Blankets, temporary beds, clothing. You know what I mean. Enlist others to set them up inside the ballroom.”
“The ballroom?” Windest gulped. “You're sure you want?—”
“Do you have a better suggestion?” Briscalar asked dryly.
Windest hung his head. “Um, no. I'll do it immediately.”
“Delightful.” Lord Briscalar clapped his hands. “Others. Attend to me this instant. We'll need plenty of fresh water, tubs full of it as well, all brought or magicked to the ballroom. Set up screens for privacy and ensure there are plenty of drying cloths, clean clothing in every size. Whatever anyone might need to ensure their comfort. Magic it if we don’t have it on hand already.”His gaze met mine. “Can you think of anything else we might need?”
“Food. Plenty of food.”
“Excellent,” he breathed, clapping his hands again, startling a few staff lingering nearby. “If you have skills in the kitchen, offer them to the head chef. He'll wisely direct you. We need hearty food. None of that fluffy stuff he adores crafting to please the lords and ladies, though a few treats would not be amiss.” He glared at the staff staring at him with their mouths ajar and flicked his hands their way. “Go! Don't stand there.”
They scooted away.
“Allow me to assist you.” Briscalar hurried over to where an elderly man was guiding an even older woman across the big foyer. He swept his arm around the back of her waist and eased her onto a settee near the right wall. After speaking to the couple, he crossed the room to instruct someone else.
The villagers, who’d looked worn and hollow minutes before, gravitated toward him like flameseekers to moondust. For all their grief and exhaustion, hope flickered in their eyes. The promise that someone had a plan and the realization that their lives weren’t going to unravel overnight made a lot of difference.
The lord returned to stand in front of me. “Why are you still here?” His cough rang out, and his ears pinkened. “My king. My queen, that is.”
“We need to help.” Reyla lifted her head off my shoulder. “Direct us.”
“YourMajesties,” Briscalar said grandly. Concern taking over his usual stern expression. “As you can see, I have things well in hand. Please leave the rest to me.”
I wasn’t someone who yielded easily, but even I could see the truth in his words. He was thriving here, finding comfort and a purpose where others might fall. Briscalar didn’t need either of usoverseeing him, and he certainly didn’t need Reyla dropping from exhaustion on the foyer floor.
“Thank you.”
