by E. D. Brady
“Dead,” Kellus replied sharply.
“How?”
“Kellus ran him through,” Danus said. “It was a much kinder end than he deserved.”
They were ushered through the door and downstairs to the hospital, were Nordorum lay sleeping peacefully. He was covered in casts and tubes.
“How is he?” Kellus questioned Conor.
“Lionel tortured him,” Conor answered sadly. “He has four broken ribs, three broken fingers, his left leg is broken, and he is severely dehydrated. It’s a miracle that there was no internal damage done to the organs, though. I expect him to make a full recovery.”
Conor examined Markum’s head and confirmed he had a concussion.
Kellus’s back and wrists were treated with healing lotions, and a thick, white bandage was tied around his back and chest.
Annie was ordered into a tub of water to wash the caked blood off her face and hair before having her wrist set in a cast.
It was early afternoon when Tilidus and Borm ran through the doors. “How are you?” Borm asked Kellus. “We heard you were injured.”
“Only a few lashes to the back,” he said. “Thank you both for coming to my rescue,” he added, placing one hand on each of their shoulders.
“We’re your friends, Kellus,” Tilidus answered. “We wouldn’t abandon you.”
“What happened to Dinora?” Conor asked. “Did you catch up with her?”
“Unfortunately, no, they had too much lead,” Borm replied. “They made for the north. That’s all we can tell you.”
“That’s a pity. We’ll have to send a search party for her. She must be brought to justice,” Conor answered.
Danus, Borm, and Tilidus were ordered to bed for the day. They were given a hero’s salute by what was left of the ten senior peacemen before departing for their rooms.
The apprentice Ciro was tasked with driving Annie, Kellus, and Markum home.
As they made their way up the hill to their home, they noticed the three carriages parked outside.
Then the front door opened, and five people flew out of the house and down the hill to greet them, smiles of joy and relief spread across their faces.
Annie jumped down into Kellus’s arms just as the other members of her family reached them. She threw her uninjured arm around them, one at a time. She, Kellus, and Markum were hugged and kissed repeatedly. Then they—all eight of them—walked back up the hill together, elated that their ordeal was finally over.
Once again, they were gathered around the dining room table, and after Kellus and Markum had filled them in on the details of their night, they feasted on an early dinner.
Annie could barely keep her eyes opened.
“So, what’s your plan, son?” Tol asked.
“Let me try this one more time,” Kellus replied with a chuckle. “I plan to never let my wife out of my sight again.”
“Sounds good to me,” Tol answered. “I’m through with giving advice.”
“And right now, I plan to get my wife upstairs to bed before her face falls into her plate,” Kellus added.
“Poor child,” Annie heard Sara say through the haze of sleep that was overtaking her. “Her face will be quite a mess by tomorrow.”
“No, it won’t,” Kellus argued, “she’ll be as beautiful as ever.”
“Kellus, the skin around her eye is already turning purple, and her left cheek and lip will swell further,” Sara contradicted.
“I know,” Kellus sighed, “but her face will heal. It could have been a lot worse. She may have been left mentally scarred if that sick, sadistic fuck had had his way. She may have recoiled from me for months, if not years.”
“No, never,” Annie mumbled, trying to soothe the anguish in his voice. Despite her best efforts, her eyelids shut tight.
“Shush, Annie,” he said, putting both hands on her waist, helping her to stand. “Put your arms around my neck,” he urged. “Up you get,” he added, hoisting her up into his arms.
He carried her up two flights of stairs, into their bedroom, pulled back the covers, and laid her down onto the bed.
He laid down next to her and gathered her gently into his arms. “Sleep, love,” he murmured.
“Don’t go anywhere,” she said, half asleep. “Don’t leave.”
“Never,” he vowed.
“What if I can’t find you next time?” she whimpered.
“That’s enough,” he scolded in a soothing voice. “That’s over now.”
“Really?” she asked, barely conscious. “We’ll never be parted again?”
“You have my word, beautiful girl,” he whispered as she drifted off to sleep.
Preview:
Reclaimed (The Vistira Trilogy: Book 2)
Here’s a peek at Reclaimed
The exciting follow-up to Remembered.
Chapter 1
“Good afternoon, Mr. Dondalis. How are you today?” Annie called up to a middle-aged man, standing on a stack of boxes in the back of his carriage.
“I’m well, thank you, and you?” he replied. “I trust you’re enjoying this fine autumn weather.”
“Yes, it’s lovely,” she answered. A cool, clean breeze drifted up from the ocean, penetrating the warm sunshine, like a well-timed testament to their discussion. “What can I do for you?” she asked.
“I’ve just returned from Port Larvous and have two crates of perfumed lotions that you ordered,” he responded, “both Lavender, correct?”
Annie nodded.
Mr. Dondalis jumped down from the back of his carriage carrying two boxes in his arms. “What would you like me to do with these?” he asked.
“If you would please just leave them by the door, my husband will pick them up in a moment,” she answered.
“Of course,” he said. He walked to the door and gently set the boxes on the ground. “How is Mr. Kir?” he asked.
“He’s wonderful, thank you,” she replied. Her eyes drifted to the far side of the market where two apprentices were walking down the large, stone steps of the Citadom. She waved her arm over her head, and they returned her greeting before turning right and disappearing up the little side street towards the back of the giant building.
“Ah, here he is,” Mr. Dondalis announced.
The door behind her opened, and she turned to watch the most perfect man she’d ever seen walk towards her.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Kir,” Mr. Dondalis called over.
“Hello,” Kellus replied. “It’s fine weather we’re having, isn’t it?”
“I was just discussing the fine day with your lovely wife,” the man answered, climbing up to the top of his rig. “If I may say so, you are a very fortunate man to have secured the hand of such a charming woman.”
Annie blushed at the compliment.
“I’m well aware of that fact,” Kellus said, smiling proudly. He slipped his arm around Annie’s waist and squeezed her gently. “Not a single day passes that I don’t thank heaven for her.”
They waved goodbye to Mr. Dondalis.
Kellus picked up the boxes and dropped them on the floor inside the door to the shop.
Annie bent over to open one of the crates, but Kellus coaxed her up with both hands on her hips. “Leave that for a moment,” he demanded. He placed one hand on the small of her back and leaned on the counter with the other. He looked down at her with heavy, smoldering eyes. “How long has it been since I’ve kissed my charming wife?” he asked. A sly grin skimmed across his lips.
“Not since we left the house earlier this morning,” she responded, becoming lost in his dreamy features.
“Ah, I see,” he murmured in a seductive voice. “That’s not good…not good enough at all.”
Annie’s entire body heated up instantly.
“I must make amends for my neglectfulness,” he added, jerking her forward and pressing his perfect lips to hers.
A soft moan escaped her mouth. She twisted her hands through the back of his hair, at risk of losing
herself in his glorious kisses.
“Ahem!” a voice called from the front of the shop. The apprentice Danus stood leaning up against the doorframe, his arms folded over his chest. “Do you ever get tired of kissing,” he asked, rolling his eyes. “The last four times I’ve visited you, I’ve found you engaged in this activity.”
“Never,” Kellus replied, laughing.
“Be that as it may, you could try letting your wife breathe on her own now and then. I’m sure she has the capacity,” Danus said sarcastically.
“Has he been spending time with Cora?” Kellus whispered to Annie.
“Hello, Danus,” Annie said, walking over to place a soft kiss on the apprentice’s cheek.
“Hi, Annie,” he answered. “I trust you’re doing well?”
Kellus walked forward and draped his arm casually over his friends shoulder. “Good afternoon, Danus,” he said. “What’s new at the Citadom?”
“Not much,” Danus answered with a huge grin. “Well, except…”
“What?” Kellus asked.
“Conor has decided to begin training in a new surgeon,” he answered. “He’s finally decided to take a pupil.”
“Really?” Annie asked. “Do you know who it is?”
Danus widened his emerald eyes.
“Ah, Danus, that’s great news,” Kellus gushed. “Congratulations.”
“How wonderful,” Annie added. “I’m so happy for you. Is this something you’ve wanted?”
“Yes,” Danus replied proudly. “In the two years I’ve been working down in the hospital, I’ve really come to love medicine.”
“Did he mention how long the training would take?” Kellus questioned.
“Six to eight years,” Danus responded. He walked into the shop and pushed himself up to sit on the counter. “Apart from that, Nordorum has yet to return. Conor still has full authority.”
“He’s been gone for over a week, right?” Kellus queried.
“About that,” Danus said, “and we still don’t know the nature of his leave. If Conor is aware, he is telling no one.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing important,” Annie piped in. “Maybe he just felt the need for a break.”
“Not likely,” Kellus said. “He’s never taken one before.” He walked over and leaned his elbow on the counter next to where Danus sat.
“Is he still walking with a limp?” Annie asked.
“Nah, he seems to be completely healed,” Danus answered. “That old man could run miles if he wanted to.”
“Did he make official Conor’s candidacy for Under Master before he left?” Kellus questioned.
“No, there has been no news regarding it,” Danus informed him. “Some of us now believe that’s not the direction the Master intends to take. That, or Conor has declined. You know how dedicated he is to practicing medicine. Some of us believe that he wouldn’t want to take on any extra duties that would prevent him from spending time in the hospital.”
“What extra duties?” Annie asked bluntly. “The previous Under Master seemed to have ample time to scheme against my husband and me.”
“The last Under Master was always overly ambitious, not to mention corrupt, but Conor’s only ambition is to heal. I know he doesn’t’ seek power in the same manner as the former Under Master,” Kellus responded.
They avoided saying Lionel’s name aloud. It carried with it too many painful memories—the six months Annie had been banished from her home, Kellus’s kidnapping and torture, and how very close she had come to being brutally raped if her husband had not committed murder.
“But who would be Under Master if not Conor?” she asked.
“Mandolis, perhaps,” Danus answered. “Though, I still believe it will be Conor in the end.”
“Me too,” Kellus said.
“It’s already been ten months that the Citadom has been without an Under Master. What’s the delay?’ she questioned.
“These situations can take up to a year or more. Remember, whoever is awarded the position will keep it for life,” Kellus answered.
“How’s your family?” Danus asked, changing the subject.
“Busy with harvest season and preparing for winter,” Kellus replied, “which means that I’ll be dragged out of bed before dawn, tomorrow morning, to help in the fields.”
“And I’ll be stuck in the kitchen all day with the other women, canning food for winter,” Annie added with a sigh.
“That sounds like a lot of work,” Danus remarked, shuddering.
“It’s not all bad,” Kellus said. “Two weeks ago, Markum and I had a trial run at brewing cider, only three bottles, though. We’ll continue next week with the remainder of the apples in the orchard.”
“How did your brew turn out?” Danus asked.
“I’ll let you know after the weekend. We intent to sample it this evening,” Kellus responded.
“Don’t hesitate to bring a bottle or two for me to sample,” Danus said, smiling hopefully.
“I will,” Kellus promised.
They said goodbye to Danus when it was time for him to return to the Citadom.
“Now, where were we?” Kellus murmured in her ear.
“Not now, my love,” she countered. “It’s time to go home. I have a lot of work to do this evening since I won’t get a chance to do anything for the rest of the weekend.”
He pouted his lovely bottom lip like a spoiled child, and dug in his pocket for the keys to lock up. “We could spend a little time in the back room after I close up,” he said.
“The back room?” she asked skeptically.
“Or here would be fine. It’s a really big floor,” Kellus answered.
“With all those windows,” she said, “And a glass door? The entire town would see us.”
“Yes, they would,” Kellus smiled wickedly. “I think I like the idea of every man in town growing green with envy as they witness me laying claim to the most desirable woman ever born.”
“What the hell has gotten into you?” she questioned dubiously.
“That dress,” he answered bluntly. He was referring to the new crimson dress that he had bought for her yesterday—a slinky, silk, form fitting number that showed just enough cleavage to be respectable in public. “You have no idea how I’ve suffered all day watching you walk around looking so beautiful.”
“Let’s go home,” she said, shaking her head.
“So, that’s a no then?” he questioned.
“Obviously,” she laughed.
“Okay, so what about the back room?” he asked. “You’ve said yes to that more times than I can remember.”
Annie blushed slightly. “I really need to get home,” she muttered.
“Okay, my little killjoy,” he said, throwing her a feigned look of disgust. “But you will be making this up to me tenfold.”
“Deal,” she promised.
“Hello, Annie, Kellus,” Max called when they entered the kitchen through the back door.
Kellus slapped his brother-in-law on the back affectionately and kissed his mother and sisters on the cheek.
“How was business today?” Tol asked.
“Surprisingly busy,” Annie answered.
“I think you bring good luck,” Tol said. “The shop has been doing a lot better since the two of you took over operations.”
“Just a coincidence,” Annie replied.
“Zif and I spent the day cleaning our little house,” Cora announced. “We found a bundle of strange clothing in your old wardrobe.”
“The clothes I wore the day I returned to Vistira, no doubt,” Annie responded. A sudden pain pierced her heart. Thinking of those clothes somehow reminded her of Cappy and how she would never see her best friend again. She noted, with bitterness, that Cappy probably thought her dead by now. She shook her head quickly in an effort to dispel the gut-wrenching thought.
“Zifini, would you please grab eight plates from the shelf and bring them into the dining room,” Sara asked. “Cora, please foll
ow her with the silver and cups.”
“Dinner is already ready?” Annie asked, disappointed.
“Yes,” Sara answered. “Is it too soon for you?”
“No, it’s fine. I just thought I’d soak in a bath for a while,’ she said. Beside her, she heard Kellus’s back teeth slam together.
“Soak in a bath after dinner, dear,” Sara suggested.
“What?” Annie mouthed to Kellus. He rubbed his forehead with the palm of his hand. He shook his head but didn’t reply.
“Markum, Max,” Sara yelled as she rushed past holding a large serving tray in both hands. “Would you please go outside and bring in firewood? It will cold tonight, so bring in enough wood for all the fires.”
“Annie and I will get the firewood,” Kellus suggested.
“It’s too heavy for her, Kellus,” Sara argued. “Let one of the men help you. Annie can fold napkins and carry jugs to the table.”
Annie made her way to the counter to pick up the jugs, but Kellus grabbed her arm and pulled her back. He shook his head quickly. “She will be fine, mother. I’ll carry most of the wood. Let Max bring the jugs to the dining room.” He led her out the back door and into the woodshed.
“What’s the meaning of this?” she asked suspiciously.
“Shush,” he said, placing his finger up to his lips. He closed the shed door behind them and pushed her up against it gently. “I don’t think anyone would notice if we didn’t return straight away.” He leaned into her and kissed a trail down her throat.
“Here, now?” she asked.
“Yep,” he responded into her neck.
“But we have all night for that,” she reminded him
“Can’t wait,” he mumbled, running his hands over her hips.
“You’re acting really peculiar,” she accused. “Why were you snapping your teeth before?”
“The thought of you soaking in a tub was too much,” he muttered.
I thought it was the dress that was causing you so much grief,” she said sarcastically.
He stood back and looked at her. “It was, but then, when you mentioned soaking in the bath, my mind conjured up a vision of you naked and wet. And while I don’t know if someone can actually die from desire, I feel like I’m on the verge. So, if you don’t mind, please take off the lovely dress immediately.”
