His hand fell to his side, his eyes widening.
A rustling sounded beside my father, and I turned to find Logi walking toward me with a broad smile on his face. He flung his arms wide, then collided into me with a bear hug. A strangled noise popped from my throat as he lifted me from the ground, squeezing me in that rough brotherly way of his.
“I’m so happy we found you, Fri,” he said. “And that you’re happy and in love. I’m so sorry I ever asked you to join the guild. I knew it wasn’t right for you all along.”
The scent of brine swept over me from where it had clung to his skin and clothes during the long ship ride from the mainland.To come for me. To see me once more after thinking I was gone. Affection welled inside me, and I squeezed him back. I’d never dreamed that either of them cared this much. It had never even occurred to me that they might come looking. When I imagined the guild hunting me down, it had always been by the command of Erik. So that he could take me out.
But they’d come.
I looked over Logi’s shoulder at my father. He stared disapprovingly at Rune, his arms folded over his broad chest. As if sensing my shift in attention, Logi lowered me back to the ground.
I crossed to my father and took his hands in mine. “I’m sorry I told Louisa to lie to you, but you have to understand. I was trying to protect this place from the guild. Besides…” I took a deep breath to lend me strength. “I realized the guild isn’t for me. I don’t want to be an assassin. I don’t have the heart for it and never have.”
He searched my eyes, the muscles around his mouth tightening. “You could have come home and told me all this. There was no need to hide from me, Frida.”
“You’re not the one I was afraid of.”
My father clenched his jaw, then swore. “Erik’s a bastard. When we discovered he’d sent you off on his own personal vendetta, the guild had a vote. He’s out.”
“What?” My eyes widened. “You kicked him out of the guild?”
“That’s right. And now I’ve taken over.” He motioned at his mottled gray leathers—the leathers of the guild’s leader. I’d noticed them before, but I hadn’t acknowledged what it meant.
“Which means things are changing,” Logi said. “No more vows. No more cutting people out.”
My father nodded. “I made a mistake all those years ago in not coming for you, Frida. I won’t make that mistake again. You’re my daughter, and I want to be a part of your life. It’s whatyour mother would have wanted, too. So if that means you live here, and we visit from time to time, so be it. And you’re always welcome back, if you ever want to visit us.”
“You too, Rune,” Logi said, grinning.
“Wait, do you truly mean that?” I looked from my father to my brother, hope blooming. “We can still see each other, even if I’m not joining the guild?”
“Of course, Fri. We just want you to be happy,” said Logi.
My father gripped my shoulder. “Losing you once is my biggest regret. I won’t lose you again.”
29
FRIDA
The official start of summer brought the long days, the swarms of insects, and the sticky heat that could only belong to a tiny wedge of land fully surrounded by the sea. To battle it, every home spat out its inhabitants so they could lounge in the shade of the redwoods or the dozens of pavilions scattered along the street.
Rune and I strolled hand-in-hand through the throng. Occasionally, I paused to examine the wares of a travelling merchant, exclaiming at the beauty of their jewellery or their impressive embroidery. Many had dragon knickknacks for sale, thanks to the commencement of the first official Dragon Festival.
After meeting Eldi and hearing all about my island adventures, my family had decided to remain in Oakwater for a week before journeying back to the mainland, carrying with them the promise to send some of my things on the next ship out of the port: my Silva Sweetwater novels, my favorite dresses from my cottage, and my beloved horse. I couldn’t wait to see Stella again.
Rune and I walked along, stopping at Lilia’s Travelling Tavern. She’d set out tables and chairs beneath a canvas pavilion, decorated with looping vines and fresh flowers. Even though it was early yet, every seat was taken. I ventured up to the open window and braced my forearms against the wooden serving ledge.
“Hi, Lilia,” I said. “Happy Dragon Festival.”
She leaned toward me, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. “Happy Dragon Festival, Frida. I’m so happy everything has worked out for you and your family.”
Rune pressed a hand against my back. “I’ve just seen someone I want to speak with. I’ll be right back.”
As he vanished into the crowd, Lilia handed me a frothing tankard. “You know, I’ve known Rune for many years, and I’ve never seen him this cheerful.”
I flushed. “Well, he makes me feel pretty cheerful, too.”
She smiled. “I’m grateful for what you did for Eldi. Reykur’s been off visiting his sisters, but when he gets back, he’ll be so thrilled his brother is flying again.”
