Shadows & Secrets part 14
The final leg of our journey is here, but will it be as straightforward as they hope?
New to this story? Start here!
D
Deryn watched as Cáit’s breathing evened out with sleep. He shifted and padded over to what was left of the fire, worry coiling in his gut. Snow lazily drifted down, dusting the tarps they’d hung between the trees in icy white. With the potential of Ryme nearby, Pedr had warned tents would only slow escape so they had strung them up as tarps instead.
He sat with his back to the meager flames, his ears straining to pick up the slightest sound. He had never liked snow, its habit of muffling sounds had always bothered him, but tonight was worse. Tonight, danger likely lurked in that unsettling quiet.
Lunitza soon joined him in his watch, the moon maiden’s features tense beneath her glowing eyes. She had sat with Lonán and Maeve at dinner, but Pedr had made sure they knew of the potential danger as well before heading to their bedrolls. She said nothing to him, merely a nod in greeting before settling beside him, alert and wary.
Close to dawn, the loud crack of splintering wood split the air followed by a thump that shook their camp. He noticed the vibration and noise woke everyone. They stayed quiet and alert, ready to run to the horses. Pedr was by the horses in a heartbeat, encouraging them to remain quiet. Minutes ticked by as Deryn waited for whatever had felled the tree to approach. Another crack sounded, farther to their right. Then another, even further from them. Deryn waited until the tree that fell next was barely audible to his acute hearing then slumped against Lunitza who let out a heavy breath of relief.
Deryn huddled with Cáit and Pedr, downing the cold breakfast without complaint. Maeve gave an apologetic smile as she handed out the meal. It was not to her usual standard by any means, but they could risk neither fire nor time after this morning’s close call. He still enjoyed the rich berry jam that was swirled into the bland cold paste and the sharp cheese served alongside.
The horses were packed and readied in silence. Deryn shifted and leapt into Cáit’s lap, but sleep seemed impossible. It was made even more unlikely as they came to the fallen tree they had heard, far closer to their camp than he’d expected. Beside the shattered trunk the snow revealed numerous footprints, each easily twice the size of his Malk form. He glanced at his brother who was carefully examining them. Wordlessly, Pedr held up three fingers before shifting into his malk form. Deryn felt his swallow get lodged in his throat as Cáit trembled beside him. He knew one Ryme was dangerous enough, lethal to most, but three would mean death to even the most powerful of Fae.
C
Cáit trembled uncontrollably as she saw Pedr raise three fingers, indicating there hadn’t been just one frost giant stalking passed their camp, but three. It had been frightfully close as well, having taken them mere moments to arrive at the tree. The tree lay completely splintered, its once massive trunk reduced to frosty kindling. She had read that while the Ryme often carried weapons, they preferred to bludgeon their enemies to death with their fists. She shuddered to think what would have happened had their camp been discovered.
She could tell the others were equally rattled by the discovery as tense silence blanketed their group like the dusting of snow on the landscape around them. Miles and miles they traveled, yet the foreboding lingered. Cáit noticed the trees thinning and pulled up beside Maeve. Pedr shifted and held up a hand, halting the group. Cáit could see they’d reached the end of the woods, the rolling hills before them drenched in sunlight. The snow simply vanished halfway across the open terrain, a line far too straight to be natural marking the transition.
“That line marks our wards,” Pedr whispered to them. “We will only be safe once we are on the other side of them.” Cáit nodded and saw the others mirroring her. She could barely make out the tall building in the distance, her new home. She watched Pedr shift and begin a hurried lope onto the exposed meadow. Nudging her horse into a quick trot, she followed.
A crash behind her had her turning in her saddle. She instantly regretted it as she spotted three massive shapes emerge from the woods. They each stood higher than the home she’d left behind and turned her insides to jelly. Grayish blue skin was barely clothed in crude furs and skins and their white hair and beards were strewn with bleached adornments. Bones she realized with a jolt. She spun to face ahead and kicked her horse into a full gallop. She heard Maeve behind her gasp and do the same.
Cáit wanted to look back, to make sure her friends were ok, but she heard Pedr’s warning in her head.
“Do not look back, do not falter, and do not stop, even to aid another of our group. Anything else will mean death.”
So Cáit raced towards the line that meant safety and prayed she and her friends would make it.
D
Deryn clung desperately to the saddle as it bucked violently beneath him. He had caught only a glimpse of the Ryme at the tree line before Cáit had urged their horse into a manic race to safety. It pleased him that she didn’t hesitate before following his brother’s instructions, but he could do without the brain rattling as the horse bolted up and down hills.
A scream pierced the air and saw Cáit squeeze her eyes shut in pain. He couldn’t tell if the sound came from Maeve or Lunitza and he wondered if Cáit could. She didn’t falter in her focus though, did not turn or slow at the sound. His heart squeezed in sympathy, knowing that Cáit wouldn’t have hesitated to turn and help either female had his brother not warned against it.
He spared a glance around, seeking his brother as he felt his jaw rattle at the frantic pace. He caught a glimpse behind them and saw Maeve’s horse in the hand of one of the Ryme. With a single bite it was beheaded and Deryn winced. He found his brother running towards them, Maeve slung unconscious on his back. He saw no sign of Lunitza and Lonán before a jolt had him turning his attention back to holding on.
A warm tingle skittered over his fur and he sighed. They had crossed the wards. Deryn knew no Ryme could cross the ancient barrier, but he did not stop Cáit from continuing full speed to the manor even though his body could have used the break. She finally slowed as grass turned to packed dirt and eventually paved stone. A large stone fountain stood in the entry courtyard, its sculpted fish dry and dusty. He felt her finally turn her horse back towards the woods to see what had become of the others. Fear had him hesitating to see for himself, but he soon raised his furry head.
C
Cáit barely felt the tingle as she rode through the wards, the fear-induced adrenaline surging inside her. As the ground shifted she slowed her horse, knowing that galloping on paved stone would damage both hoof and stone. Lonán had drilled such things into her early on and she could practically hear his warning now.
She turned at a large fountain, barely registering its existence as she sought her friends. A flash of red caught her eye and she saw an unconscious Maeve being carried up to the manor by Pedr. He was within the wards and close enough she could see blood, but couldn’t tell if it was his or Maeve’s.
She ached to run and aid them, but instead searched for Lonán and Lunitza. She felt Deryn jump down and run to his brother. Just shy of the barrier she saw them, their horse was badly injured, but still running with everything it had. A Ryme stalked behind them, blood streaming down its beard. Cáit watched helplessly as the giant swiped a hand at them, catching the horse’s back legs. The injured horse stumbled, throwing its riders onto the ground ahead. They tumbled like brambles and Cáit worried as Lonán failed to rise. Lunitza managed, though even at this distance Cáit could tell it was not an easy task. She watched as the petite girl grabbed fistfuls of Lonán’s shirt and tugged, dragging him towards the wards. Cáit saw they only had a few feet to go, but could tell every inch was taxing Lunitza’s strength.
The Ryme seemed content with the horse for now, a toothy grin evident as it dragged the screaming horse away from its riders. Cáit flinched and looked away as the horse’s screams died abruptly. She steeled herself to check on Lunitza’s progress. Somehow the moon maiden had gotten Lonán safely across the wards. Deryn was helping her carry a dazed but alive Lonán between them. A glance towards where she’d last seen Maeve showed her that her best friend was now conscious and aiding a very haggard Pedr along.
Safe, at least for now. Cáit dismounted and nearly collapsed from relief. They were hurt and had lost most of their supplies, but they were all alive and safely at their destination.
D
Deryn took the brunt of Lonán’s weight, knowing that Lunitza was also hurt. His friend was badly dazed and seemed to have injured his ankle as he was unable to put weight on it.
Still, Deryn counted their blessings even as he worried what the three Ryme meant for their future. It would need reported to his father, he knew, along with the results of his mission. They wouldn’t be able to delay long, but his brother’s injuries would give them some time to plan what to say to their father and how to hide what they didn’t want him to know.
He turned to Cáit, his brother slung between her and Maeve. Pedr looked as badly injured as Lonán though Deryn knew he’d take far less time to heal. His gaze shifted to the manor looming before them. Home. They were home.
Deryn wrinkled his nose unhappily as Cáit applied the smelly ointment to Lonán’s wounds as they gathered in the kitchen. He watched from his perch on the window sill as Lonán winced, but showed no other sign of discomfort. They had lucked out, to his surprise, for the one bag that survived the Ryme was the one with their medical supplies. Fae were fast healers and rarely required such aids so he doubted such supplies could be found in the manor.
A grumble drew his attention towards his brother who was trying to convince a certain stubborn redhead that he did not require the same slime slathered on his wounds. Deryn couldn’t help chuckling as his brother ended up having to shift and flee from the female.
“Could you make sure that brother of yours at least rests,” asked Maeve, exasperation clear in her tone. He nodded, happy to get away from the strong smells, and went to track down Pedr. He padded through the halls, the sounds from the kitchen growing faint. He paused beside one of the guest rooms, soft snores indicating that Lunitza was resting well after the harrowing encounter. After their evening talks, he was not surprised she chose a room overlooking the overgrown remains of his mother’s garden.
Deryn found his brother sitting on the roof facing the woods, his face pensive. He settled beside Pedr and wished he could properly gauge his brother’s injuries. He had caught sight of a number of dark bruises, but couldn’t see anything amiss beneath Pedr’s black fur.
“We will need to report to father soon,” Pedr said softly, “the Ryme attack works in our favor as he will focus on them over the humans we now have as well as the moon maiden.”
“Agreed,” he replied, “we have much to discuss. After we have though, I suggest you take time to rest. Otherwise we will both have your Mo’lasair wanting our pelts.” Pedr merely chuckled at him, a sparkle returning to his green eyes.
“Very well, little brother,” Pedr agreed, “I will rest after we have our plan.”
C
Cáit finished wrapping Lonán’s ankle and stretched her aching back. She knew he was lucky a sprained ankle was the worst of his injuries after being thrown off a horse. She helped him slide off the counter and he hobbled out of the kitchen. Maeve had managed to cobble together a makeshift crutch for her brother so Cáit was sure he’d have little trouble getting to his new room. She doubted she was the only one to notice it was across from the room Lunitza had chosen nor to catch the soft smile the moon maiden had upon his selection.
Packing up their medical supplies, Cáit watched Maeve as she investigated the kitchen. It was far larger than even the kitchen at the inn and lacked the same coziness she was used to. Maeve’s repeated tsking told her that her friend found it rather lacking as well.
“You could fit a dozen cooks in this kitchen,” Maeve commented sourly, “but good luck preparing anything with actual flavor!” Cáit chuckled, watching her friend flit from one cabinet to the next.
“Make a list of supplies you need,” she suggested, “I’m sure Pedr would be more than happy to do whatever equates to shopping among the Fae for you.”
“True,” Maeve replied, digging around for some paper, “Considering how empty this kitchen is, even just the bare minimums are going to be a massive list.” Cáit left her friend to her list-making and went to explore the manor. With Lonán, Pedr, and Lunitza injured they had only gotten a cursory tour of the building, focusing on the guest rooms and kitchen. Now that cuts had been cleaned and treated, Cáit’s curiosity was in full swing. She prowled the empty halls, noticing the thin layer of dust and lack of furnishings.
Her eyes caught a square of darker wood on the floor by the wall and she stopped, confused. The wall stood before a large window that filled the stark hall with light. Cáit noticed the wall also had darker areas and realized it was because something had once stood there blocking the light that had bleached the wood around it. A pedestal of some sort she guessed.
“My mother had giant vases of flowers from her garden by every window,” came a voice behind her, “she enchanted the blooms so they wouldn’t wither. Pedr told me that when she died, so did the flowers, and father went into a rage and smashed all the vases.” Cáit felt arms wrap around her and she leaned into him. She wished she had words to offer him, some way to ease the grief so evident in his voice, but she knew words could never fill that void.
Instead, she let him hold her, nuzzling into her neck and drawing comfort from the contact. She knew they had much to discuss, but felt it could wait for now. He and his brother would handle the court while she, Maeve, and Lonán waited until they Settled. She imagined Lonán would be first, being the oldest of the three, but Deryn had not been so sure. So much varied between the different types of Fae in regard to Settling that it was best to just play it by ear.
“Maeve will be pleased to know that Pedr is actually listening to her demand that he rest,” Deryn continued, “he retired to his room after we discussed how to handle our father.” Cáit tried to smile as she suppressed a shiver, wishing Deryn did not need to face the cruel male.
“When do you see him?” She knew he couldn’t delay the report long, but never sounded like a very good answer to her.
“Pedr and I will leave tomorrow morning,” he replied, “the Ryme attack gives us an excuse to delay a bit, but any longer will vex him.” She nodded, though she bit her lip in worry. “We have time for a tour if you’d like one.” She agreed and, looped arm and arm, they strolled the manor together.
D
Deryn could scent the worry on Cáit and did his best to distract her by recounting various stories in each room they toured. The time he got stuck up on the dining room chandelier had her filling the room with laughter.
It was strange having her here in this place, a clash of old memories and new. Yet he felt her warmth was what this manor needed, what he needed. She filled the rooms like the brightest sunlight, banishing the dreary shadows of the past. This had been a cold, lonely place only recently and yet she somehow pushed that all into the ‘past’. His life was split now, into before he met her and after. Their future was obscured by the unknown, but he knew that there would be no going back to the existence he had before.
Lonán found them in the library to announce lunch was ready and Deryn was pleased to see his friend was already looking better. He knew humans healed much slower than Fae, but it seemed the ointment had aided in closing the cuts on Lonán’s arms and face. The bruising would take longer and the sprained ankle, he learned from Cáit, would take a week or so to mend fully.
In the dining room, he saw his friends had already gathered around the long table. Lunitza looked tired, but smiled warmly at Lonán when they entered. Maeve seemed peeved for some reason and his brother looked like he knew he deserved her ire, but wasn’t the least bit sorry.
“Your brother went to retrieve what remained of the other packs,” Lonán explained softly beside him, “while my sister is grateful to actually have supplies again, she is far more displeased he took such a risk while injured and neglected to tell anyone, especially her.”
“I’m surprised we didn’t hear the dressing down,” Cáit commented.
“This manor was designed with sound in mind,” he explained to his friends, “each room has acoustics that will allow you to hear even whispered conversations from any corner, but is insulated in such a way as to allow meetings to remain secret within the room.”
“I have a feeling we will all be grateful for it with those two under the same roof,” Cáit quipped and he found his gaze returning to the two in question. Deryn knew his brother would not have risked going across a shadow-less meadow carelessly, but it would seem Maeve had difficulty believing so. Sliding into the seat beside Pedr, Deryn chose his words carefully.
“While I disagree with his choice to leave us uninformed,” he began, glaring pointedly at his brother, “My brother is quite skilled in reconnaissance missions and would have taken great care in retrieving the packs quickly, quietly, and most importantly safely.” He noticed Maeve did not immediately pin him with her glare so considered his attempt to defend Pedr successful.
“I am not used to informing others of my comings and goings,” Pedr admitted reluctantly, “even you, little brother. I will do better with that in the future.” Deryn watched Maeve’s ire soften into sympathy.
“I am mad because it seemed such a great risk for just a handful of spices,” Maeve admitted softly, “your life is worth far more to me, Pedr.” Deryn saw his brother’s eyes widen at the admission, a soft flush creeping onto his cheeks and his jaw hanging loose in shock. He knew many a female had complimented his brother over the years, often with eloquence honed over centuries, yet Pedr had never batted an eye at it. Deryn felt he understood the difference now. Maeve cared, not for his brother’s status or connections, but for him. She, unlike their father, valued Pedr for who he was, not for what he could do for her.
Lunch proceeded quietly after that, though Deryn caught the two sneaking glances at each other and blushing. He was pleased to see his brother being smitten and having those feelings genuinely reciprocated and he found his own gaze drifting to Cáit.
C
Cáit felt his gaze on her shortly after Maeve and Pedr had ceased fighting. She tried to focus on the sandwich before her, but it was like his gaze had a physical weight to it. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation, far from it, as she felt it trail down her neck and across her shoulder. As she felt his gaze venture even lower she snapped her eyes to his. He had the decency to blush, though his smirk ruined the illusion of innocence.
She couldn’t help smiling back, her cheeks warming. She had always preferred the adventurous tales to the romance ones, but she now realized that romance could be its own adventure with the right person. She barely noticed when her sandwich was only a handful of crumbs, her attention was so thoroughly ensnared by the emerald eyes across from her.
“You are sure they can be trusted?” Cáit started at the quiet question, realizing she had missed most of the conversation.
“As trustworthy as any Fae that deals with such magic,” Pedr assured Lunitza. “I have had numerous dealings with him and he has been reliable.” Cáit realized they must be discussing a way to remove Lunitza’s memory block. It would be nice to no longer have to use fake names all the time as a safeguard. Lunitza’s actions had spoken volumes when she had refused to abandon an unconscious Lonán in order to reach safety, but the memory block still posed a risk.
With lunch finished and all the necessary plans made, Cáit noticed everyone seemed to pair off and head to various parts of the manor. Maeve and Pedr drifted to the kitchen, a stack of dishes in Pedr’s hands. Lonán hobbled off with Lunitza to see about the state of the garden. Left alone with Deryn, she wondered what they should do. Her mind was more than willing to provide numerous suggestions, each more scandalous than the last. An extended hand appeared and she looked up, confused.
“There’s one more place I’d like to show you,” Deryn told her, “it’s where I would spend a great deal of time.” Curiosity piqued, she took his hand as he led her through the manor. He paused at a delicately carved door, a rose bush done in exquisite detail. She felt tears build in her eyes as she guessed whose room lay behind such a door.
The room was awash in the glow of afternoon sunlight. A tea set sat waiting for guests at the low table surrounded by a dozen plump cushions. An armchair sat facing the fireplace, a basket of brightly colored yarn beside it. While the guest rooms had been tastefully decorated, this room held a warmth to it. Cáit could understand why this was where Deryn spent a great deal of time and her heart broke a little for her sweet, lonely kitten.
Cáit took in the rest of the sitting room as Deryn knelt on a cushion and picked up the teapot. She had to rub her eyes as steam seemed to come from the spout. Lifting a cup, Deryn poured steaming liquid into one of the delicate tea cups then filled a second one. Cáit knew her mouth was hanging open as he waved her to join him for tea, but she chose a bright green cushion and sat.
“One of my mother’s favorite tea sets according to Pedr,” he explained, “the teapot’s enchantment allows the holder to pour any type of tea they can think of.” He handed her a tea cup with delicate soft pink roses, his had roses of pale blue. The tea was spicy and tasted of apples which she found delightful.
Sipping her tea, Cáit soaked in the simple comfort of spending time with someone she cared for. She tried not to let her worries taint this peaceful moment, but with so many on her mind it was hard not to.
D
Deryn sipped his tea, savoring the warmth it always filled him with. He was pleased to see Cáit also seemed to enjoy the tea, though as was typical lately, worry twined with her scent. It was understandable, especially with him needing to face his father in the morning, but it bothered him to not be able to ease them more thoroughly.
A thought crossed his mind, reminding him that he could ease her worries. He simply had to change the tea slightly and the magic would sweep her worries away. He debated with himself as he reached for the teapot to pour refills. He watched Cáit hold out her tea cup, a soft smile on her lips, and poured the tea into her cup.
“My mother often made this for me,” she commented softly, her eyes growing wistful. Deryn set the teapot down, wondering if he made the right choice. “I always found the lavender in it relaxing.” Deryn smiled, noting that her worry had finally faded. He shifted to sit beside her and she leaned against him.
“I’m glad you like it,” he commented, wrapping an arm around her. He relaxed, proud of himself. It had been incredibly tempting to aid her with magic, but he knew it would have only betrayed her trust in him. Instead, he had changed the tea to an herbal blend his brother often made him when he couldn’t sleep.
He lost track of the time as they lounged together in his mother’s sitting room, the sun slowly making its way to the horizon. He shared stories of his mother Pedr had told him and Cáit shared stories of her own mother. He must’ve dozed off at one point because a soft knock woke him. Cáit had also fallen asleep and shifted reluctantly as he got up to answer the door.
“I had a feeling you’d be here,” his brother said, sympathy in his green eyes. “It’s time for dinner.” Deryn nodded and Pedr turned and left, melting into the shadows in the hall. That Pedr was shadow walking in the manor told him his brother was still sore from the attack. Heading back to a sleepy Cáit, he relayed his brother’s message.
C
Cáit shook herself awake and followed Deryn through the halls to the dining room. The large chandelier had been lit, its candles casting a warm glow on the room. Additional candles dotted the table, their flames flickering between bowls of various vegetables. Maeve had managed a veritable feast for them even with most of their hunters incapacitated.
“The kitchen is rather sparse, but the larder is very well stocked,” Maeve informed them as Cáit took in the roasted ham sitting in the center of the table.
“It’s enchanted to prevent spoilage,” Pedr supplied. “That way hunting can be done when there’s plenty of game.” Cáit knew that would be very handy in the winter months going forward. The conversation stayed light as they ate and Cáit had a feeling nobody wanted to think of the meeting the brothers had in the morning.
“Hunter has told me you play the… violin, correct?” Lunitza said softly as the meal concluded. “Might you grace us with a song or two before we retire for the evening?” Cáit smiled at the request, nodding. She had been relieved to find her instrument intact when Pedr had brought the supplies in. Getting up to go get it, Pedr halted her, handing her the case.
“Lunitza isn’t the only one who was hoping to hear you play,” he said cryptically. She knew Maeve and Lonán would be eager to hear her play, but suspected Pedr was including himself as well. She opened the case and soon lost herself in the joy of making music.
With her final note still echoing in the room, Cáit opened her eyes to take in her audience. Five pairs of eyes sparkling with wonder and awe stared back at her and she blushed. She was proud of her skill, but usually only played for Maeve and her father outside of practice. If her father hadn’t taken every opportunity to bring it up in conversations she had a feeling few would even know she could play.
“Even a Fae would have a hard time meeting such skill,” Pedr stated. Cáit smiled at the compliment. She knew Fae had centuries to refine their skills, not just decades. She would have centuries once she Settled she realized. It was too daunting to contemplate.
Cáit packed her violin away as the others slowly drifted off to their rooms for the night. She was mildly surprised to find Deryn waiting for her and looking rather bashful as well. He said nothing as she walked to the door to her room, but she could feel him wanting to ask her something. She had a feeling she knew what he wanted to ask her and spent the short walk deciding on her answer.
When she arrived at her door she simply walked in, turning to hold the door open for him. He looked adorably surprised, but wasted no time entering. She put her case down and went into the attached bathroom to get ready for bed. As she poured warm, scented water into the washbasin from an enchanted pitcher she decided that having such domestic magic around would take getting used to, but was a luxury she was happy to have.
Stepping out of the bathroom dressed in her night clothes, she noticed Deryn had already shifted and was waiting on the bed, his green eyes glowing in the candlelight. She smiled and slipped beneath the covers of the bed, quietly sighing at the silken sheets and soft mattress. After numerous nights sleeping on the hard ground, the bed felt like a cloud. Deryn’s furry face popped up beside hers and even his feline features couldn’t fully hide his grin.
“A bit softer than the bedroll, I take it?” he quipped playfully and she realized her sigh wasn’t at all quiet to his ears. Chuckling, she swatted at one of his tufted ears.
“Not exactly a high bar to surpass there,” she admitted, “what on earth is in this mattress?”
“Pixie dust,” he replied coyly, earning himself another playful swat from her. “Well there is actual pixie dust in it, but it’s mostly enchanted seafoam.”
“Enchanted teapots, larders, water pitchers, and mattresses,” Cáit listed sleepily, “why do the stories never mention such things?”
“I believe the stories are trying to warn humans away from the Fae,” he stated calmly, “on demand hot water and blissfully soft beds don’t exactly scream danger.” She snuggled into her pillow as he continued softly, “The stories are right to warn humans away though. Most Fae see humans as playthings at best and vermin at worst.”
“Not you though,” she countered, “and not your brother either. Even Lunitza doesn’t seem to view humans like that.”
“My brother and I live on the edge of Fae lands so have more contact with humans than most Fae,” Deryn explained, “this manor had dozens of humans staffing it before they were moved to court, but make no mistake, they were not willing. Most were bound by foolish bargains or enchanted to not even be aware of reality. They were usually featured as entertainment during the various parties my father held here and were subjected to things that likely would give you nightmares. Not all Fae participated in such amusements, but none stood up against it, not even my mother who held sway with father compared to Pedr and me.”
Cáit stayed quiet, unsure what to say to such an admission. She suspected Deryn would have been viciously punished if he had tried to stop the abuse and likely the same held true for his brother so she didn’t hold either at fault for not acting. She wondered if their mother could also be excused, yet she couldn’t say for sure. The fact their father had been so distraught at her death that he had smashed numerous vases seemed to indicate that he had cared deeply for the female, yet she had not used that influence to see that humans were not abused in her household. Cáit shook her head, unwilling to dwell on it further.
“You are not your father,” she said instead, repeating what he had once told her in her room. “You have proven that time and time again since we met.” She placed a kiss on his nose. “Sleep now.”
D
Deryn blinked slowly at Cáit and wished her good night. He had thought she would have been angry he hadn’t done anything to help those humans, but instead she had understood. He burrowed deeper into her arms, grateful to have found someone that took the time to truly see him. He hadn’t expected to fall asleep easily with all his worries, but being in Cáit’s arms was even more soothing than the tea earlier and he soon drifted off.
A soft nudge woke him and he turned. Soft sunlight was beginning to filter through the curtains, creating a halo around his brother’s malk form. Slipping carefully from Cáit’s arms, Deryn slid to the floor silently. He followed his brother, shadow walking through the halls to avoid waking the others. He was mildly surprised his brother wasn’t heading straight to court, but to the kitchen.
When he entered the kitchen, the smells nearly had him groaning. Maeve was in the kitchen, her red hair catching the sunlight as she flitted about. Deryn glanced at Pedr who had shifted and now sat patiently on a stool by the counter. He shifted as well, plopping down beside his brother.
“I’ll not have you two leaving with empty stomachs,” Maeve said firmly, setting plates before them. Deryn was in awe at the heaping pile of food before him, but quickly dug in, knowing their father was not a patient male. The impending meeting did nothing to dull the flavors and he found himself savoring every bite.
“I will endeavor to procur what you have requested, Mo’lasair,” Pedr told Maeve as he stood, preparing to leave. Deryn had a feeling Pedr would do practically anything to ensure whatever was requested made it into Maeve’s hands. His brother moved to leave the kitchen, but Maeve grabbed his shoulder, spinning him towards her. Deryn's jaw dropped in shock as Maeve took a fistful of his brother’s shirt and tugged him down, her lips reaching up to claim his in a searing kiss.
“Just come back,” she whispered fiercely, “none of that matters if you don’t come home.” Deryn caught his brother’s cheeks turning pink as he rested his forehead against hers.
“Always,” Pedr promised, “I promise I will always find my way back home to you.” Deryn felt the magic settle around the two as they pulled apart. Pedr nodded to him and stepped into the shadow by the kitchen door. Deryn followed, shadow walking with his brother to court.
The room was just as he had seen it days before. He didn’t quite understand why he had somehow expected it to be different after just a short time away. Perhaps it was because he felt so different from the person he had been when he had last stood on these jet tiles. His brother stood beside him, his face devoid of the emotions that had been evident just moments before. Deryn tried to mirror his brother and felt as if a mask fell into place. His emotions were elsewhere, safely tucked back at the manor with Cáit who was probably still burrowed in the bed. Perhaps this would be quick and he could cuddle with her some more.
A human approached them, his eyes cloudy and his face blissful. Deryn hated seeing the enchanted humans, wishing he could free them, but the only freedom he could grant them was death. He had tried once, a young girl that had looked no older than eight. She had been sweeping out the ashes of a fireplace with her hands, her clothes sooty and tattered. She had wailed at him to bring back the gems and finery. He had tried to explain it wasn’t real, that she needed to go home, but she had thrown herself out the window instead, killing herself. He had done his best to avoid them after that.
“The high lord will receive you in his study,” the human said, his voice barely louder than a sigh. “This way.” He led the way through the plush carpeted halls, so different from the bare wood of the manor. Black carpet, like the tiles in the throne room, with various vases and furnishings in emerald green and gold. The three colors of the Cath Sith, as all had black fur with either green or gold eyes. The study was through a set of double doors, each carved with a cat sitting atop a stack of books, a scroll in its mouth.
His father sat at the desk, making a show of reading what was likely a report he’d already had read to him by the messenger that had delivered it.
“I received word from the grove mother that the issue with the humans was handled satisfactorily,” he said. “I am curious as to why I was not told this news promptly days ago.” Beside him, Pedr stepped forward.
“As a reward for completing his mission, I allowed Deryn to collect a few humans for his amusement. We therefore had to travel outside of the shadows to reach the manor and that unfortunately took more time than desired.”
“I see,” was all his father said to that, as they had hoped.
“Due to the delay, however, we encountered three Ryme just outside the wards of the manor. They attacked us without cause, killing our horses, and harming the humans. Such disregard for the property of the Cat Sith should not go without answer.”
“Agreed,” his father said, brows furrowing. “Three of them, you are certain?”
“I am,” Pedr asserted, “I believe they may be looking to breach our wards and infiltrate our lands.”
“This is concerning,” his father admitted, “I have received three similar reports at the other corners of our lands. I may have need of you again soon, but until then, rest.” Pedr nodded, then bowed and left the study. Deryn fell under his father’s gaze and his stomach twisted, but his father took no notice. “I hope your new pets are not too damaged Deryn, you did well.” Nodding stiffly, Deryn bowed and left the study, grateful all had went well.
“I have some matters to attend to,” his brother told him as they put some distance between themselves and their father. “You can return to the manor if you wish.”
“I would like to assist, if I am able,” he told his brother, knowing that the matters were likely Maeve’s requested items. Pedr nodded, a small smile the only sign of the brother he had spent days with recently.
“Very well, little brother,” he agreed, “we shall hunt together.”
A need to delete a large section that just wasn’t working and start over caused a bit of a delay in posting this. I am debating on letting this be the ‘end’ of book one of what will eventually be a trilogy. Yes, it’s a bit of a cliffhanger, but I like to think it still wraps up the main ‘story’ of Deryn and Cáit. Book two, Memories & Masquerades, will feature two new point of views while still sticking with our merry little band. I will be letting that sit and simmer on the back burner for now and instead will switch gears a bit for the next few months. Rhee Coiled, a Tales of Tuomi story, has been not so patiently waiting to be worked on so stay tuned for that.
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