Unraveled Homecoming

Heir

Chapter 1

By all that is Holy, kill me! Just make this stop!

Alarmed by the desperate male scream inside her mind, Mattie swiftly sat up in the bedroll. Her hazel eyes were madly blinking due to the sudden shock of waking so unceremoniously, and she began to search the tent for any danger. There was no one there except for her husband lying beside her, whose rugged face was scrunched up as if he were in extreme amounts of pain.

Garin!? she frantically inquired as fear, rage, and desperation crashed in on her!

The feelings were coming from her husband as he was experiencing a hellacious nightmare. Thanks to an accidental blood bond that had happened when they were children, the couple could often pick up the thoughts and emotions of one another. Sometimes it was a good thing; sometimes it was annoying as hell!

Mattie firmly shook his shoulder, but all that action did was elicit a slumbering snarl. She let out a soft noise of frustration. This was the tenth time on their trek back to Crosshawk that Garin had been haunted by the memory of his time trapped in an enchanted sleep. Something life-altering had happened to him yet again thanks to the Dragon’s Heart, though she didn’t know the full story this time. The only thing certain at the moment was that she needed to wake him as soon as possible!

Too late! Mattie thought to herself after Garin violently released an animalistic growl in his sleep—because a rumbling sound came from deep within the earth a second later.

The ground directly underneath them quaked! By the sounds of things, the whole entire campsite was being shaken as well. The horses were beginning to whiney in fright, a shrill and heart-stopping sound. A shriek came from the direction of Selina Galleti’s tent. The young lady was swearing up a storm soon thereafter, not appreciating the wake up call. From the opposite end of the clearing, Leto’s deep male voice added an accompaniment of additional and rather unique profanities, most of which were in a different language.

Then a booming crack! sounded inside the tent as a hill began to slowly form next to Mattie!

"Garin! she screamed as the area beneath them started to tip to the east. Their bedroll was gradually inching down the growing slope. Wake up! Wake up now!"

The ground quickly righted itself back into its original position with a thunderous noise! Garin jumped out of bed the same instant the world snapped back into place. Black hair was soaked from sweat, and spikes were created when he ran his hands through the finger-width strands. Those brown eyes of his were wide with fearful shock as he began to pace.

While Mattie usually enjoyed any chance she had at viewing his muscular chest, this wasn’t a good time for her hormones to have a mind of their own. Garin was dealing with some inner demons he hadn’t been willing to share with her yet, not even through the bond. Somehow, he had the ability to shut her out—like he was doing right now!

Not often known as a patient person, Mattie’s tongue was beginning to bleed from biting it. The couple had been through this before, and any nudging for information on her part usually ended in a fight that had him feeling wretched afterwards. The conversation about this seismic event could wait until he was ready.

Garin finally turned to her, his elbows sticking out towards their respective sides when he placed both hands behind his head. Damn it, Mattie; I’m sorry.

She shook her head. Don’t be. We’re both getting used to these new powers growing inside us.

He took in a deep breath before letting out a sigh. Weariness from more than the lack of sleep came over his expression. I don’t know if those creatures living in the Dragon’s Heart are visiting me again or if it’s the memories of what they did to me. I only know that it’s hell because things go out of control when I’m just having a damn nightmare!

The First Ones are a pain in the ass no matter which it turns out to be, she said companionably. And I have faith that you’ll get to the point where your dreams won’t wreck the countryside.

Says the one who set our last bedroll on fire.

That happened to be a particularly bad nightmare involving some white-haired monster wanting to steal you completely away from me. I’ve had others that didn’t leave anything else reduced to cinders.

He chuckled at that and sat down next to her. Holding her close, he kissed her on the nose. I’m glad I’m not facing these challenges alone. It’s nice to have someone who understands this weirdness.

A rather accurate description for the mess they found themselves in. Once upon a time, Garin and Mattie were close to being human. Both had been part elf and part royalty, inheriting strange attributes from both sides of their respective families. Then the entities living within an enormous gem had changed Garin and Mattie into dragons, a process made easier because the two had already been shapeshifters in truth. The so-called gift also came with an exponential increase of magic, and neither of them had ever held this kind of power before in their lives.

Control in many cases was slow in coming, though Garin seemed to be having the worst time getting a handle on things. He carried a lifelong hatred of magic, which made him reluctant to learn what he so desperately needed to know. But after his display of arcane power at the Mage’s Stronghold, his ability to ignore things was becoming impossible.

Lord and Lady Von Bos! yelled Leto from outside the tent. Since we’re all up anyways, we might as well get this day started!

Garin and Mattie both groaned, but the couple wasted no time in trying to get ready. The ancient being who had volunteered to be their teacher in all things dragon was a taskmaster with no concept of personal space. If he thought they were moving too slowly, they knew from past experience that he had no qualms about storming into the tent. The first time had been horrifyingly unforgettable since it had also been a mortifying mood-breaker!

Wonder what lesson he’s going to come up with as a punishment for me this time, Garin mumbled as he put on his tunic. Then he swiftly used his fingertips to comb his hair back down before adding, This loss of control was worse than the others if it woke up the whole camp.

Mattie shrugged as she made sure her tunic and pants were in place, wincing because the garments were starting to get a little too tight. Not an unexpected thing since she was in the fourth month of pregnancy, but still not comfortable in the slightest. But it was also the first time in three days, she pointed out. I know you had bad dreams the night before last, and those didn’t end in any power hiccups.

He snorted as he sat down and shoved his feet into a pair of boots. Hiccups?

Maybe ‘belches’ would be a better phrase? she joked while using a brush to begin attacking her auburn hair in preparation of braiding it.

The Star Stone bracelet almost got caught in a mass of wild strands during one vigorous tug. After grafting itself into her skin while they had been at the Mage’s Stronghold, she had feared that her mother’s old jewelry had become a permanent part of her hand. It had taken nearly a week after Falkner Steiner’s death to discover that her fear was blessedly unfounded. It slowly returned to its original dangling form now that the evil mage was no long a constant threat—a form that was making her want to scream at the moment.

Mattie’s frustrated growl at having to untangle her unruly hair from her left wrist caused Garin to chuckle. But a worried frown too quickly reappeared on his face. Whatever you call those moments, I really hope we can get them to stop before we arrive in Crosshawk tomorrow. The last thing I want to do is shake up the Hawksthorne Estate.

After deciding to just yank out the few remaining strands stuck to the bracelet, Mattie reached over and placed a comforting hand on her husband’s cheek. "We’ll worry about it if such a thing happens. You always sleep better when you’re not on the road, and I have a feeling that finally being back at Crosshawk will help you."

He gave her a quick kiss in appreciation. The smile on his face was a little on the wobbly side because his concerns were still eating at him. She wished she could do more to relieve his tension, but this was an internal battle he would have to win for himself.

***

I hate all three of you!

Selina’s snarly voice was the first thing the couple heard upon exiting their temporary dwelling. Mattie’s eyebrow rose at the sullen and angry fourteen-year-old who was fruitlessly poking at the cold embers in the fire pit. The black-haired girl was shivering despite the heavy fur cloak over her shoulders, and it was a good bet that she had put on nearly all of her clothing underneath that as well.

A grateful sigh came from her when Mattie quickly lit a small fire with a wave of a hand. Then she continued her verbal barrage. If becoming a dragon means I don’t have to become a ball of bulky fuzz when it’s cold out, count me in! Did you know I had to sleep in these clothes to keep from freezing last night? It’s not fair.

Life is seldom fair, child, said Leto with a yawn. The wizened, white-haired man had hobbled over using his staff for support, the sculptured snake wrapped around it appearing to be forever ready to strike. Being up just as the sky lightened wasn’t my plan for this day either.

Selina threw a few sticks into the flames before curling back into a ball filled with grumpiness. This has to be the worst time of the year to travel.

Ask me to take you for a short trip after Yule, snickered Garin. Just for comparisons’ sake. I think you will remember this like a walk in springtime.

Selina responded with a rather vulgar hand gesture that made Mattie think her father’s work was going to be cut out for him. She still couldn’t quite grasp why he had accepted Asger Loganach’s request that the girl be fostered at Crosshawk. Orla, the northern leader’s granddaughter and Selina’s guardian, hadn’t been too keen on the idea considering the girl’s issues with family abandoning her. The only reason the mage had even relented was because she knew Mattie was going to be stuck at the Hawksthorne Estate as well and could keep an eye on things.

Mattie closed her eyes for a moment and prayed, May Adonai help me.

When the girl hadn’t stopped indicating to everyone exactly how upset she was this morning, Leto scolded her, Try to refrain from making me want to break that finger, young lady.

Selina responded by putting both of her hands in the pockets of her cloak. She then muttered something Mattie couldn’t hear, but it had all the markings of being on the rude side. Luckily for the girl, the ancient one only shook his head at her audacity this time.

Garin had just mentioned that he was fetching some more wood when Leto stopped him in his tracks. Wait a moment, Lord Von Bos. We need to clean up your mess first.

Garin looked confused as he searched the ground for anything still out of place from his self-made earthquake. I’m not sure what you mean.

The horses, quipped the white-haired one as he pointed a gnarled finger at where they had been tied up. Only the hefty yet quick Goldenrod was standing there, calmly nibbling at the few blades of grass she could find by her fur-lined hooves. You seemed to have scared the majority of them off with your theatrics.

The man’s angry Son of a bitch! shot through the couple’s bond just fine.

Garin gave Mattie a quick kiss on the cheek before hightailing it after the renegade animals. Leto’s chuckle wasn’t kind as he followed her husband in order to help, but he decided to do so at a more leisurely pace. That left Mattie alone with a grouchy teenager, so she plopped down beside the girl

After watching her stare angrily into the fire in sullen silence for what seemed ages, Mattie finally decided that Selina had sulked long enough, You do realize that it’s technically warmer here than it was by the Stronghold, don’t you?

You do realize that I had a fireplace in my bedroom there as well, don’t you? she grumbled back. I’ve forgotten just how bone-chilling it could get at night without one.

Mattie leaned forward so she could look into that young face more fully. Why didn’t you say something sooner? We could’ve heated up some rocks to help keep you warm.

I did that! she said mournfully as she ran a hand through her short locks. They still lost heat as the night wore on.

Wrapping an arm around her, Mattie gave the girl half a hug. We should be in a warm shelter tonight, complete with a fire to heat up the place.

And then the next night in my new temporary dwelling, said Selina wearily.

Knowing my family, you’re already a part of it after the last time you were there. Why not just call it ‘home’ from the start?

She shook her head and sadly whispered, "You saw what happened the last time I thought that. No. I’m not going to get my hopes up ever again."

Mattie held the girl tighter, and Selina surprisingly let her. There was a sniffle or two from the youth, but her face was on the hardened side in spite of the tears streaking down her bronze cheeks. She was a ship without a port, and that was no way to weather the storms in life. Mattie’s heart ached for her, wondering if Crosshawk could ever become the home for which she was yearning.

No question about it this time, Mattie and her father were definitely going to have their work cut out for them.

Chapter 2

Of course it would be my horse who ended up being the worst one of the lot to hunt down, thought Garin with a frustrated huff as he finally found his stallion, Blackheart, nearly two miles away from camp.

Covered with brambles from head to toe, Garin had to admit that the debris and scratches added to his anger at his steed. He had trained Blackheart better than to run off like this! Selina’s horse had been the easiest to find, and Leto had somehow managed to bump into his own mount. Leaving the beasts in the ancient creature’s care, Garin had immediately taken off to search for his own stubborn horse.

The black stallion flickered his ears at his master’s approach, but he remained stock-still. Garin couldn’t help but wonder what had garnered the animal’s undivided attention. There was not much else in this clearing save wilting wildflowers and an embankment of a rushing river. When grabbing the reins didn’t elicit any response, he finally followed Blackheart’s gaze towards the other side of Hawk’s Run.

The sight of a gigantic silver horse that could have given the huge steeds found in the north an inferiority complex caused the man to pause—until the beast spoke: Well met, young one.

Garin stopped his automatic response just in time and kept himself from unsheathing his broadsword. His heart hammered because the deep voice had seemed to fill the air, and great power thrummed around the enormous horse. But given this wasn’t the first strange creature he had met lately, it seemed only prudent to now return the greeting.

Well met, dear sir, he said with a respectful nod of his head. I am Garin Von Bos.

The beast kindly chuckled. I have heard about you, he said amicably. And I am Arion, though I doubt you have heard of me.

On the contrary, said Garin with awe before bowing at the waist this time. Arion, the swiftest horse that had ever lived, was purported to be immortal and had been birthed by gods. Though Garin doubted the truth of that story, he still felt humbled in the creature’s presence. I am honored to meet you.

After he had straightened back up, Garin nearly jumped out of his skin. Arion had leaned forward a bit before seeming to disappear from the other embankment within a streak of silver. Then the beast suddenly appeared right in front of him, the movement taking less than a second!

You can remove your hand from that hilt, said Arion with a nicker while he took a step to the man’s right. No harm will come to you from me.

Reluctantly, Garin complied with the request. It was amazing how the feel of steel under his hand had helped steady his nerves. Now they were going wildly in every direction trying to comprehend why this ancient being was here. And after meeting Helka and Kylene during their time in the North, how many more whispered myths and legends would the couple run into?

What is your steed’s name? asked Arion politely, his head tilted towards the trembling black stallion.

Garin sympathized with his horse’s nervousness. His name is Blackheart.

Those deep, dark eyes filled with starshine began to stare a hole through Blackheart, who finally whinnied his discomfort at the inspection. Tossing back his silver mane, Arion returned his attention to Garin. My daughter could have made worse choices when it came to her child’s sire, he said after giving the man a rather uncomfortable once over with those strange eyes. So too could have her rider. But you both seem to come from good stock, so I won’t complain.

Unsure on whether or not that was a compliment, Garin’s jaw clenched tightly.

Arion, old friend! called Leto’s voice from behind him, saving him from being tempted to respond rudely to an ancient being. What brings you this way?

Blackheart lost his self-control completely when the silver beast calmly strode forward to meet the Draconian. One ancient creature of power had been nerve-racking enough; two in the same area was more than the animal could bear! Garin forgot everything but going over and calming the rearing stallion down. He missed most of the conversation as he grabbed the reins and made soothing noises to the terrified animal, wishing for once they had as deep an understanding as what Mattie had with her horse, Firestorm.

That thought brought him up short, until a fierce snort from Blackheart reminded him to pay attention to the task at hand. While it seemed like an eternity until the horse stopped trying to escape, Blackheart eventually gave up and rested a head against Garin’s chest. The man gave his steed’s neck a comforting rub until he felt the animal’s trembles of fear cease.

Well done, young one, said Arion with admiration.

Garin wasn’t sure if the ancient being was talking to him or the horse. Still he nodded his gratitude for the compliment and kept his hands on Blackheart’s reins. Then his eyes narrowed when Leto began to chuckle.

He is a handful, I must admit, the Draconian said a little too jovially. So you were here to visit with your daughter?

She’s doing better than I could have imagined, and she’s happy to know she’ll be reunited with her friend and rider soon, answered the silver stallion, puffing himself even fuller with pride. Those two have been perfect for each other during these uncertain times.

Garin decided to keep his mouth shut. Leaning against Blackheart’s flank, he was glad his constant presence was beginning to calm his steed down even more. And the information he was gleaning from the conversation was being locked away to tell Mattie later. This revelation answered a lot of questions he had about Firestorm. He knew from the beginning that she wasn’t just an ordinary horse.

Leto’s voice almost sounded like he was hunting for more information when he said, If she had inherited your ability to speak, those two would have become even more inseparable. As it is, the young Fury has been a great help to the girl.

Growing up together has a tendency to do that, answered Arion as his silver tail swished. Why do you think I never pirated that one away to Arcadia?

You always have your reasons to keep some of your children away from the Great Herd.

A loud snort issued from the gigantic horse’s nostrils. Stop trying to figure out what I know about the coming storm. The Fates reveal their plans to each of us differently for a very good reason.

Am I that obvious in my attempt, old friend?

Yes! thought Garin, who had been trying to figure a way out of the nastier possible futures since his accidental landing into the Dragon’s Heart nearly three weeks ago. Now he wished Leto had waited to come. Any small chance of stumbling on information he might need was truly gone.

Arion shook his head and let out a whinny that sounded like a dark chuckle. We’ve played this game too many times in the past for me not to know what you were up to. Still, I will give you but one bit of advice in this regard—check the Watchtower as soon as you are able.

And you, old friend? asked Leto as the wrinkles on his face multiplied from the troubled expression that formed. What will you be doing next?

The silver monster turned his head towards Blackheart and Garin. Now that I have satisfied my curiosity about all three, I will be returning to Arcadia. My people will need me to be there for the foreseeable future.

Leto let out a sigh but amicably said, Then this will be another long farewell between us, unless our paths accidentally cross yet again.

The great horse bowed his head low, and then the muscles in his shoulders began to ripple like water. When gossamer wings burst out and folded against the creature’s back, Garin barely refrained his gasp! Artists had tried to place such things on ancient depictions of angels, and they had failed mightily in the magnificence of how the softly glowing feathers were without blemish.

There are no chance meetings in life, as you well know, my friend, said Arion as he lifted his head and gave the new appendages a few quick flaps. It reminded Garin greatly of a man stretching his back after sitting still for too long. Train this one well, Leto the Fate Changer, and the world might make it to the other side.

Arion then nodded his head respectfully at Garin and at Leto before taking to the air, the beating of his great wings producing a fierce wind. There was a loud final neigh before nothing was left to see but a silver streak heading towards the East. Blackheart let out a relived huff while Garin snuck a glance at the wizened figure who was still watching the sky.

Fate Changer? thought Garin uneasily. Even though he knew full well the stories surrounding the Draconian, he was having a hard time matching that title with the frail looking man before him. Especially when there were tears in the ancient one’s eyes.

***

Leading Blackheart quickly along, Garin did not want to converse with Leto one bit. Between meeting the ancient one’s doppelganger inside the Dragon’s Heart and being stuck traveling with the real thing, Mattie’s agreement now rankled at the core of his very being. There had already been three teachers in his life, ones he greatly respected. He felt no need for a fourth!

Especially not one in magic!

As if the creature had read his mind, Leto called out: Running away again will only make matters worse! Remember what happened with your foster brother, Emory!

Halting because he needed to take a calming breath, Garin turned to face the Draconian. The leisurely pace at which Leto traveled was not interrupted one bit by the shaking of that white head of his. Concern seemed to be written on the wrinkled face, but Garin wasn’t focusing on that. He was concentrating on containing the power begging to be violently released. How dare this creature mention his deceased brother’s name!?

Sorry if I hit upon a sore subject, said Leto while he paused a good twenty feet away.

What in the hell do you know about my brother? snarled Garin, wondering if the whirlwind in his mind could take actual form.

To be honest, said Leto as he leaned wearily upon his unusual cane. I’ve kept track of you all since you were born. Never interfering, of course, but each of you matched my sister’s prophecy so perfectly that I had to keep an eye on you from time to time. Which I did from a distance for your protection.

Which is also why Mattie said you didn’t seem a damn bit surprised when she showed up at your front door unannounced! growled Garin as he took a step forward.

The rage Garin felt wasn’t unfounded. Both he and Mattie had gone through hell because of one damn prophecy or another! And here was a creature that could have warned them from the start, except he hadn’t! Why? Because of some misconceived notion that he had been helping to keep them safe!?

The temptation to tap into the swirling magic and use it against this conniving creature swiftly became impossible to resist. Seemingly out of nowhere, a tornado funnel crashed down directly behind Leto! The howl of the wind was almost deafening even as Blackheart immediately screeched, reared, and tore the restraint out of Garin’s hand. He let out a curse because he had once again managed to chase his steed away, but another profanity left his mouth when his eyes fell on Leto.

What appeared to be a frail old man took a step backwards and entered the whirling vortex. Wind whipped his white hair and beard out of the braids within which they were kept, and the robe billowed wildly. But Leto merely took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. The funnel slowly grew smaller and smaller, almost as if the creature was sucking the thing down into himself. In a matter of seconds, the tornado was completely gone.

Then Garin took a stumbling step backwards when Leto’s eyes snapped open, a glowing light within them. Mattie had told him that she believed the Draconian could absorb spells, but he hadn’t truly believed such a thing was possible! After a long moment of eerie silence, Leto closed his eyes again and took in another deep breath.

Powerful. Brutal. But clumsy, lectured the ancient being before he opened those bright eyes again. Which is always the way with pent-up power.

Garin never liked being afraid, so he turned to the other emotion he knew all too well. It went where I wanted! he snarled. That has to take some control!

Yes, acquiesced Leto before he lifted his hand.

A blast of air then hit Garin like a flying boulder, hurling him backwards a good twenty yards! Luckily, he crashed to the ground, knocked out of breath and short of hitting a rather large tree. Pain laced his every muscle as he lay there groaning for a second, wondering what in the hell had just happened!

A wrinkled old face he was beginning to despise came into his view when Leto leaned over him and chided, But why send the wrath of the heavens after me when a shove of air would have gotten your point across just as well?

Because I was pissed off! thought Garin as he glared at this self-appointed teacher.

Leto just sighed in response at the angry silence. You should have learned this lesson long ago from Lord Gregory when you had almost lost yourself while fighting your ability to transform. Once you finally accepted it as a gift, did you know that you were one of the most powerful shapeshifters I had ever seen? No one else within the royal families could ever change forms that many times in one day and not be in a coma by the end of it.

Garin didn’t bother to form a response and just let his skepticism be written all over his face.

Never doubt that there’s a lot of power in you, young one, said the ancient one, reaching down with a helping hand. Trying to hide from the truth by bottling things up never works. Fear of what you hold will lead to that power consuming and controlling you, destroying whatever innocents might be in its path. A truth you already painfully know.

It hurt to admit this annoying person had a point. A part of that discomfort came from stubborn pride, the other from remembering how he had lashed out at his foster brother. One of the worst days of his life was when he had nearly killed the kid with Earth magic.

Garin reached out and accepted Leto’s help to stand. Once sure his wobbly legs would hold him, he asked, Where do we go from here then?

The white-haired one leaned on his staff My offer to teach still stands. As you just witnessed, I have a rather unique ability that makes me suited to train you.

Torn between all the uncomfortable truths he had faced today, Garin’s reply was a bit snarky, Fine, I’ll consider it. Now let’s find my damn horse again before Mattie sends out a search party for us.

Chapter 3

Lightning flashed and revealed an all too familiar face leaning out the door. Safe from the downpour by the wraparound porch’s awning, the red-haired woman opened her mouth and caused Mattie to cringe when she angrily shouted, Mathilda Hawksthorne Von Bos! Get your ass in here before you and your friends catch your death from the cold!

Seems like a charming woman, muttered Leto sardonically as he stomped along with the rest of them through the mud, heading for the small two-story house left wide open by the disappearing hostess. Garin made a noise of agreement as he pulled his hood down lower to protect his eyes from the rain’s onslaught. The silent one for once was Selina, but that might have been because her teeth were too busy chattering from the frigid edge in the wind.

Mattie sighed as the group trudged along. The homecoming she craved was greatly delayed. Clouds of black had begun filling the sky as soon as they had greeted the morning, but at least the thunderstorm Garin had been predicting hadn’t arrived until they had drawn close to the Silver Pheasant.

With the estate still being quite a few miles down the southern road, they had hoped to find temporary shelter in her Uncle Thaddeus’ establishment and wait out the maelstrom. Unfortunately, George Avery, the groomsman, had explained that the tavern was packed to the walls this evening. And rowdy, if the boisterous sounds coming through the closed windows were any indication.

The man’s suggestion to see if Henriella Brewer would take them in for a spell hadn’t been a surprise. After all, the owner’s home was located on the southwestern edge of the Pheasant’s property. The advice was sound, yet it still had Mattie’s heart sinking for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which was the fact that the she and her aunt got along like a hawk and a viper.

Thunder began to crash as the small group arrived at the dry house. Safely within the tiled foyer as the rain outside increased in strength, they began to shuck off their wet coats and boots. Then Mattie had to make absolutely certain that those pegs and hooks were put to use. Her aunt was a stickler for order, and the last thing anyone needed to do was to get off on the wrong foot. After all, the woman was probably ready to give her niece a verbal lashing for not visiting her even once in the past year or so.

I do not want to do this, Mattie groaned to Garin.

We’re already committed, he gently pointed out as he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She had told him about some of the fights she had in the past with this woman. Besides, she is family.

Mattie growled at that. Don’t remind me.

His chuckle had Selina rolling her eyes. After being around the couple for so long, the girl knew when a silent conversation had occurred. Can we please go find a fire? she groused as she began to rub her hands together.

Mattie! called Henriella in her shrill way. Stop being rude to our guests and take them into the sitting room!

Leto failed to hide a chuckle at Mattie’s expense. Wasting only enough time to glare at him, she led the trio to a cherry-red room filled with cushioned sofas and a roaring fire. The splashes of yellow along the walls here and there almost made the place seem to be awash in flame. Mattie had never liked the fire-like décor because it often made her feel as if she was entering an oven.

The others took no note of the color scheme as they headed directly to the fireplace, trying to get warm and dry. Seeing Henriella across the hall through the doorway that led into the kitchen, and standing there with her arms crossed, told Mattie that she had better wait to join them in that luxury. After letting Garin know where she was heading, Mattie soon entered the woman’s domain.

The kitchen was still the way Mattie remembered it. One of the most modern in the kingdom, complete with an iron stove that her uncle had traded nearly thirty barrels of ale to acquire. A small table that could be expanded to barely fit within the window-filled nook had cost nearly half as much. Just a couple of the many reasons the man often joked that he pointed at this room whenever his wife complained that he never did anything for her.

Green eyes were glaring in a way Mattie clearly remembered as well. Though there were a few more lines about her eyes and mouth, Henriella’s appearance hadn’t changed that much. She wore a simple emerald-colored dress that hugged her shapely at the waist, her wedding ring the only piece of jewelry she ever wore. The wild red hair had been smartly tied back with a green ribbon, making the numerous freckles on her face stand out.

Mattie crossed her arms and responded with a glare of her own. That brought a bark of laughter out of the woman, and she quickly pulled Mattie into a hug. Startled, it took her a second to return the gesture.

I’ve missed your spunk, girl, said Henriella as she stepped back, keeping her hands on Mattie’s shoulders. "Though I should be furious at you for getting married without a damn ceremony I could have attended. Tell me this rogue of a husband is here so I can give him an earful."

He is, Aunt Henriella, Mattie said, searching the woman’s face with confusion. What happened to the unyielding bulldog she remembered? But please don’t kill him.

Henriella chuckled before releasing her. I’ll leave such messy things for your uncle.

A whistling noise split the air from a teakettle on the stovetop. In one seemingly fluid motion, the woman swiftly removed the boiling water from the heat on her way over to the pantry. While Henriella disappeared within what the family affectionately referred to as her food vault, Mattie decided to be helpful and went to the cupboard that held all the ceramic cups. After staring at the myriad of choices, the decision soon went with the items most likely to annoy her aunt’s sense of decorum. She had to test this new side of the woman in a big way. By the time Henriella reappeared, five large mugs of various colors were sitting on the counter by the stove.

Excellent idea, said Henriella enthusiastically while she began to steep her special autumn tea within the hot kettle. Better than the smaller cups on a night like this.

Mattie crossed her arms and partially leaned against the counter, staring at the woman in disbelief. Who are you, and what did you do to my Aunt Henriella?

A hearty laugh came from her before she strode over and gave her niece’s right arm a friendly squeeze. Oh, Mattie, you’re not a child in need of my help anymore. I’m sorry I had to be stern as hell with you. Your father treated you more like a son and bestowed on you a greater amount of leniency than most lords would ever allow their daughters. When I saw that you were becoming an unholy terror, I sat young Gregory down for a tongue-lashing. Life isn’t kind, and us womenfolk get the short end of the deal most days. Someone had to help balance you back out.

And that explains why you were a bitch to me? asked Mattie incredulously.

Henriella’s eyes flashed with anger for a moment before she went over to check on the tea. She gave the concoction a sniff before letting it steep for a while longer. Her hands were soon on her hips once she turned around.

What I did was do my damnedest to handle a child who kept accusing me of trying to take her mother’s place! she growled. You weren’t exactly cooperative with me in any respect, and I am not a saint! Though the One knows, you could try the patience of one!

Mattie shrugged because the woman had a point. Maybe that’s my calling, Aunt Henriella.

The angry lines in her face softened a bit as she chuckled, The fact you’re still alive after all you’ve been through, that just might be the truth.

Mattie leaned all the way back as she watched the woman inspect the brewing tea again. The position wasn’t comfortable at first, because the tightness of her pants painfully reminded her that there was a package in her pocket. Sighing, Mattie pulled it out and placed it on the counter.

You better see the seamstresses soon. Those two are miracle workers when it comes to making practical and comfortable clothes for the town’s pregnant women.

Mattie’s mouth dropped at her aunt’s sudden suggestion. H—how did you know?

Henriella’s green eyes were kind as she took a glance at Mattie’s midsection. I’ve given birth to five children, though not all survived, you know. You have all the early signs that will make many a mother wonder about your condition.

And my father told you, grumbled Mattie, quickly coming to an even more plausible reason.

He did, Henriella confirmed while she crossed her arms. I gave him hell for that impromptu ceremony between you and the Von Bos lad, so he told me why it had to be done on the quick. While I’m glad your honor won’t be tarnished by your reckless behavior, it still grieves me that you had even found yourself in that potentially disastrous position! Did you even consider that you could have been disowned and sent to live with distant relatives in Tundrel’s Moor!? Damn it, girl; we raised you better than that!

Henriella then ran her hands over her face and let out a monstrous sigh. But what’s done is done, and things worked out for the good. At least, in that respect.

Something about the way the woman had phrased that last comment made it seem like she knew a hell of a lot more than what she was letting on. Though curious as to how that could be, Mattie really wanted to get off this subject for now. Her hand landing on the former bulge in her pocket gave her the perfect opportunity to do so.

While her aunt was inspecting the tea again, Mattie lifted the cloth-wrapped package off the counter and held it up. Oh, before I forget. I brought something back for Uncle Tad.

Henriella nearly slammed the lid back