“You won’t forget,” the Brewmistress said, “and neither will I.”
Now, Home Again
“So,” Bastion said. “You’ve told quite a story. You say you deceived us and led Jubilee into wrongdoing because you were too cowardly to return to expedition adventuring?”
Saeldian nodded. “Yes, Saer.”
“And the proceeds of this last expedition, which were split four ways—all of you gave your share to Jubilee, so she could give it to us to fix the house?”
“Just so, Saer.”
“And your partners? Lorzok the Seeker. He stayed behind?”
“Lorzok Oak-Strider. He made a promise to an oak and is doing what he promised, traveling the domains to plant an empire of her acorns.”
“I daresay that reason for wandering suits him better than trading for uneasy profits,” Bastion said. “And Kell? The one you didn’t like. What happened to him?”
“He’s helping Verity sort laundry into piles, Saer.”
Bastion cocked his head, surprised. “He came back with you? Why?”
Saeldian blushed.
“Ah,” Bastion said. “So that’s why you sniped at each other.”
“Yes, Saer.”
Saeldian stood through his examination, waiting.
“You have confessed to the wrongs you did to this family who took you in, seeing someone who needed a family of their own. You have asked what you can do to repair the harm done. I have my demand.”
Saeldian stood up straight. “Yes, Saer.”
“Unpack your kit and go ask Serenity what chores need doing.”
Joy erupted in Saeldian’s heart. “I can stay?”
“As my wife plotted all along.” Bastion smiled. “It’s good to have you back, my child. We have a house to rebuild, and it’ll be enough sweat to pay for your wrongs and more.”
Saeldian rushed into Bastion’s arms. “Thank you, Saer.”
He took the tearstains on his well-patched shirt with good grace. “I’m glad you came home, Saeldian. We’ll get fighting meat on those bones, eh? You can’t have a paladin as a boss and not be able to handle your own in a brawl.”
Saeldian cried until all their feeling escaped their eyes and then laughed. “I used to never cry, and now I do it all the time.”
“You have the right to tears, child. You always did. Are you settled for now?”
“Yes, Saer.”
“All right, then,” Bastion said. “Those eggs won’t collect themselves.”
“I know an enchantment if Uther Blackcomb gets ornery,” Kell said.
Saeldian whirled. “You’re not done with the sorting already!”
Kell stood there, a bundle of fine clothes in his arms. “I’m serious. Meanest chicken I ever saw. I’ll need to watch your back.”
Bastion stood up and regarded Kell. “Saer Redsong.”
