Aura smiles, pleased that at least someone finds happiness in the cruel realms of the gods.
They turn away from the revelry and enter a cluster of similar dwellings she noticed when they arrived.
“Tonight, the Inner Sanctum celebrates the arrival of the first witch since the Halvgud Rebellion a millennium ago.” Crystal clutches her shoulder, pride shimmering in her gaze. “Please, relax and enjoy the food and drink.”
They stop beside one of the brick buildings with a sloping roof standing apart. A single door rests on a slide, slightly open. Beautiful bell-shaped blue flowers thrive along the steps, imparting a serene and pleasant atmosphere.
“I will call upon you in the morning for your first training session.”
“Looking forward to it.” She follows Crystal’s gaze to the door, where Calder leans with hisseidr-scarred arms crossed over his chest and his jaw tight with tension.
Aura glances between him and Crystal, realizing that theseidrwithin the Inner Sanctum must be much more advanced than she had initially thought for the Wyevern to have released her companions while they were away.
“I will leave you two alone to speak.” Crystal pats her back. “This cluster of dwellings is empty, which should offer privacy during your stay. I look forward to getting to know you better, Aura Sigvidsson-Redwood.”
Once the Wicked Wyvern reenters the celebration in the clearing, Aura steps inside hesitantly without glancing at Calder.
There is a single bed, larger than any they have slept in since leaving Coldheart Keep. It sits low to the ground, facing a floor-to-ceiling window that frames the snowy forest. Adjacent to the main room, additional spaces include a small library, a washroom, and a kitchen.
“The toilet flushes, and water flows from a faucet in the bath. I cannot locate the plumbing, so I assume it’sseidr.” Calder remarks.
She nods, finding it all surreal and strangely calmingto take in.
“Cousin?” An oddly sheepish Edmund appears on the bottom step leading up to their dwelling, with Argnier lurking behind him. “Can I speak with you for a moment?”
She has a sneaking suspicion about what this is and gestures for them to enter.
As she collapses onto the edge of the bed, she sighs a small breath of relief at the softness of the fluffy bedding. Calder looms in the corner with his icy stare fixed on their guest.
“I uh,” Edmund scratches the back of his neck, “I’m sorry for acting like such a bitch when we were younger.”
She holds up a hand, silencing him. “If I was concerned about your behavior, I wouldn’t have embarked on a continent-saving quest with you.”
He smiles lightly.
“Besides, I can always turn you into a toad again.” She winks.
He insists on hugging her tightly before ushering in Argnier and bouncing toward the hamlet’s center, humming a song she is almost certain is about stealing mead barrels.
“Aura,” the pain on Argnier’s face cuts through to her heart, “I-”
She slips her arms around his waist, laying her face against his chest. “Please, Uncle Argnier, don’t apologize. Lavinia is a manipulative bitch, and Father has always said my captor returned me to Blackwood with a carton of biscuits.”
“Child, you heal my fractured heart.” He returns her embrace. “Plus, I swiped the biscuits from Svala’s Bakery, and no one can stay mad at her baking.” He holds her tight before pulling away and wiping his nose. “I’ve been carrying this around for too many winters. It feels like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.” He stands up straighter, with a few cracks coming from his back. “My spine hasn’t felt this good in winters!”
She hates that these men, who have supported her through so much, would feel guilty about actions taken decades earlier.
Why hold a grudge now?
“You made a mistake that you rectified. I hold no ill will toward you.”
“Thank you, child.” He leaves them alone in the dwelling.
Her leg bounces as she anticipates her final conversation.
“I know you have questions.” Calder breaks the silence.
Where do I begin?
