Wait! What? “But… how?”
Dmitri remained quiet for several long moments before replying, “Our realm is not the same as yours. Children are created with a touch of magic. Xariel and I invited a third into our relationship, a young woman named Magda. She helped us conceive your mother, then left to assist another couple.”
“So, was my mother your or Xariel’s child?” Fatigue must be lessening the shock Martin felt the explanation warranted.
“She was both.”
“And Magda’s?” How was that possible?
Dmitri chuckled. “There you go, applying your realm’s truths to mine. No. Magda carried our child, nursed her, but your mother was a mix of Xariel and me.” His tone took on a sorrowful air. “I miss her. If I’d known she wouldn’t be safe in the mountains, I’d have kept her with me or insisted she return to her father.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?” All this time, Martin thought himself alone, then reluctantly accepted Dmitri as a teacher. Having a grandfather might have been an enormous comfort.
Dmitri swept out a hand, indicating the camp. “Would you willingly bring your only grandchild into this?”
“Probably not.”
“You look a lot like your mother, you know.”
“But didn’t she look like you and Xariel?”
“There you go again. I believe I mentioned before that she altered her appearance. That was no mere illusion. She changed how she looked magically. Her child resembled the form she took.”
Some things Martin’s brain was too muzzy to contemplate. Maybe later. If he survived. “Too complicated.”
“Quite. If we win tomorrow, I’ll explain until you understand. For tonight? Sleep.”
Martin didn’t remember entering his one-person tent, climbing under the covers of his pallet, or falling asleep.
He awoke to trumpet blasts.
Chapter Forty-three
Onceagain,Martindressedin the black leather of the guardians, hair pulled back in a tail at the nape of his neck. Commander Enys approached, leading Martin’s favorite mare.
Martin stroked the mare’s velvet nose. She snuffled warm breath over his fingers. He’d love to have… an apple appeared in his palm, promptly claimed by the mare.
Enys either didn’t see or had his mind on other things.
Martin continued petting the mare while she enjoyed her snack. “I appreciate the gesture, Enys, but I’m no longer a member of the city guard.”
“In this, you are the brightest and best of us. The other guards agreed last night. We’d be honored to have you join us again on this day, if none other.” Enys handed over the reins and pinned a captain’s badge to Martin’s tunic. “You, better than any, know what we face. These others, with their strange appearance, I know nothing of. It’s you I trust completely. You, the guards follow.”
“Don’t let that prejudice you against the others. I trust Fa… Dmitri with my life. He, Xariel, and Garamel have a truce. I may not trust the other two, but I trust Dmitri. Today, we succeed or fail together.”
“I am not too certain of Garamel, though I find no quarrel with Xariel, even if he does look like he needs a few good meals and time in the sun. Do you think he likes redheads?”
Now was not the time to tell Enys, “That’s my grandfather you’re talking about.” “Don’t let Garamel’s appearance fool you. I’ve worked hard to understand that their realm is different from ours. What’s normal there may not be normal here.” Thousands of realms, thousands of beings that could be friend or foe. The more Martin knew of them, the better. “They’ve agreed to work with us. We can’t afford to turn away any allies.”
Enys waved a hand. “No, his appearance doesn’t bother me… much. The wily bastard cheats at cards.” Turning on his heel, he added, “When this is over, Esmerla expects you at the house for dinner.”
Martin exaggerated a put-upon sigh. “Who is she this time?” Would the man ever give up his persistent matchmaking?
Commander Enys glanced back over his shoulder. “No niece this time. I’m told you are to bring your own mate. You should have said something. I’d have stopped throwing female relatives at you.” Enys flashed a quick grin and waggled his brows. “I’ve got a nephew if you’re ever interested.” He strolled off without another word.
He knew? Enys knew? Apparently, he thought nothing of Martin’s relationship with Peter.
A half-hour later, Martin sat on his mare at the head of the E’Skaara contingent, Garamel and Garamel’s bond mate on Martin’s left, Xariel and Dmitri on his right. He’d wrap his head around the fact that they were his grandfathers later.
