you do not see me.
Arwenna nodded. Like most of the fey races, the Aeshor were often hunted out of fear by the human races of the world. “I’ll head to the Stronghold first. It’s closer. Liam is there, with the clan. Then we head for Almair. I’ll talk with my father, get him to keep them safe while I hunt down Senyan.” She rose, her mind grasping onto the things she would need to pack as a welcome distraction from the gaping hole in her soul.
Less than an hour later, she was settling in her saddle. As she wheeled her horse around, she caught sight of the blue marble slab under the oak tree. I’ll come home to you. I promise. You will not stay alone for long, she vowed to Joss. Putting her heels to her mount, she galloped off without a glance back.
Chapter Three
T he fading rays of sunlight made the armor of the guards shimmer. They stood atop the battlements of the clan’s front defensive wall. Arwenna could see them enough to recognize she’d been spotted. Channeling a little of her magic, she made sure her voice was heard.
“I am Arwenna Shalian, Sister to Y’Dürkie Zinkey, and member of the Weasel Clan!”
A small line appeared between the doors of the front gate as it began to open in anticipation of her approach. Spurring her horse to a faster gait, she whispered, “You can rest soon, I promise,” to the weary animal. She didn’t have time for formal greetings. She had to see Liam.
She guided her mount skillfully through the narrow opening. Two warriors stepped forward, ready to assist her and tend to her horse. Arwenna swung her leg over the pommel of her saddle and dismounted. Her hands worked to untie the pack draped behind her saddle.
“Arvenna! Vhat are you doing here?” Y’Dürkie’s familiar voice, edged with puzzlement, made her head turn. Her sister ran toward her. “Somethink is vrong. You do not look vell.” Her voice shifted to concern.
She turned her attention back to the knots. “I need to see my son.” She knew she must look like hell. But keeping her hair braided wasn’t a priority. Seeing Liam was.
That’s when it hit her. How could she tell him his father was gone? A fresh wave of grief washed over her. She lowered her head, resting her forehead against the leather saddlebags.
“Arvenna? Sister…vhat has happened?” Y’Dürkie’s voice was low enough just for Arwenna to hear.
Arwenna drew a deep breath as she raised her head. “I have to see Liam first. Where is he?” She handed the pack over to a waiting clansman while another led her horse away. She started to scan the multitude of people moving about the main courtyard.
“He is in the smithy, vith Hugh.” Arwenna didn’t dare look at Y’Dürkie. She could hear the questions in her voice. She loved the woman, but the first one that should hear of Joss’ death should be their son. Nodding that she heard her, she took off at a brisk walk toward the far side of the inner ring of buildings.
“Arvenna, I do not vish to think ve have not taken care of Liam.” Y’Dürkie kept pace with her as she dodged around anyone in her path. “He is very skilled at the forge. Indeed, there are thinks he can do that Hugh cannot. And Hugh does not know how he does these thinks.” Y’Dürkie’s voice tried to be upbeat. “However, I have noticed that there are several young ladies vho vill come vatch Liam vhen he is at vork. I have heard them mutter somethink more than once, but I do not know the meaning.”
Walking around a building, Arwenna pulled her mind from what she had to say for a moment. “What are they saying?”