Ossendar: Book Two of the Resoration Series Read Free Page B

are so proud of you, Philip.” Alela said, smiling at him. She was in her early fifties and was aging gracefully. Her hair hung to her shoulders, and was still dark brown. Her skin was smooth and tan, and had been the object of jealousy from some of the other ladies around the court. She was wearing a long elegant red dress and an enormous diamond ring on her left hand. “You are the first member of the Connell family to ever be awarded the golden dagger.” His mother had always been very supportive of him, almost to the point of coddling. In her eyes he could do no wrong.
    Philip, for his part, loved his mother very much and appreciated her unwavering support. His father, on the other hand, insisted on nothing but the very best from him, and his father had always made him nervous. They both had been at the awards ceremony two nights ago and had praised him afterwards, but his father had always been more supportive in public than in private. His mother was telling a story about two ladies in the court who had turned out to be in a delicate situation, but Philip only half listened. His thoughts were elsewhere.
    At that moment, Gavin, Philip's father entered the room. He was advanced in years, being almost seventy years old. His thin hair was pure white and he moved slower now than when Philip had been growing up. He had a few more age spots on his face than Philip remembered, but he looked to be in good shape. A stern but sincere smile lit up his face at the sight of his son. “Philip, it's good to have you home.”
    Philip stood, as his father entered the room. “Thank you father. It's good to be home. I would have come home yesterday, but I was asked to attend several public ceremonies because of the award.” He fought to keep his hands from fidgeting as he spoke; how he hated the nervousness he always felt around his father.
    Gavin waved his hand at Philip. “The people need to see their newest heroes, it's very important for the morale of the people.” He paused a moment, before continuing, “I'm very proud of you. It's quite an honor to be awarded the golden dagger.” Philip smiled at the words of his father, his tension easing. “Philip, the only way it could have been better, is if you had led the guardians instead of that elven bastard.” The last words wiped the smile off of Philip's face.
    Alela sprang off of the sofa with a look of irritation on her face. “Gavin! Our son came home a hero, don't slight his accomplishments.”
    Gavin rolled his eyes at his wife. “I didn't mean anything by it. I just think that Philip should have been the leader, that's all.” Then turning back to Philip, “We are proud of you, son.” He emphasized the word are, all the while intently holding his son's gaze. “I expect great things from your future, but unfortunately something has come up that requires my attention. But, I will see you tonight at dinner and you can tell us all about the battles.” He turned and started out of the parlor, “You know how it is, affairs of state and all.” Gavin disappeared around the corner, and they could hear his footsteps heading down the corridor.
    Alela put her hand on Philip's shoulder, “I'm sorry Philip. He doesn't mean anything by it; he just doesn't know how to show that he cares.”
    Philip put his hand on top of his mother's hand, “It's all right. I understand.” Silently, just to himself, he wondered if he really did understand.
     
     
    Days turned into weeks, as Flare learned not only rules of etiquette, but also the history of Telur; and not just the history of the kingdom, but also the history of the important families of the realm. How the families were related and what those relations meant to the politics of Telur. He quickly found himself glad he was not the first in line for the throne, since the future king would be required to use all of this information. He really didn't see why he needed to know all of these things though. Certain portions of the