Garin turned to Bran and amicably said, “She also doesn’t like it when people try to use her for their own ends; don’t forget that.”
“And the Wolf King’s bastard doesn’t have his own agenda!?” roared Melker, his face twisting in rage. A few voices nearby were grumbling that the man had a point while he added, “I find that very hard to believe considering that royal family has been trying to get their claws in this place from the beginning!”
Well, this went downhill quickly, Garin angrily thought as he finally noticed the crowd of onlookers had grown by immense proportions. He couldn’t do anything about them, but Melker needed to understand that he wasn’t going to let himself be insulted! So he decided to stand tall, bringing his full height half an inch above the auburn-haired miscreant’s.
“He might be my father,” Garin growled. “But he does not control my every action! And if Mattie had really thought he could, do you seriously believe she would have married someone like me? Especially after she had already refused someone like you, whom she had known for the whole of her life?”
The tightening of the man’s shoulder and the clenching of his fist had Garin counting down to three. Once he hit that number, he swiftly stepped to the side and avoided the predictable punch Melker had thrown at him! The man howled when his hand struck the side of the cart instead of soft flesh, while Bran backhanded an incoming Johann to the ground after the black-haired minion had obviously taken exception to his friend’s self-inflicted pain.
Garin and Bran turned their glares towards Nikolas, who raised his hands as if in surrender. “I think I’ll just head back inside,” he said before bolting towards the tavern door and into the crowd.
“Turncoat!” Melker shrieked at the retreating colleague right before he tried to plow an elbow into Garin’s face.
It was almost satisfying for Garin to hear the sharp gasp of surprise when that maneuver was firmly stopped by him merely bringing his hand up to block the strike. Then a snarl came from Melker when he found out that his rival now had an unyielding grip on his arm. The vain tugs helped Garin confirm that the man wouldn’t have been able to overpower him even before the Dragon’s Heart had changed his strength. Except for Melker’s high position in Crosshawk, the man’s outrage would never have been worth his time or energy.
“There was no need to turn this into a physical discussion, good sir,” he said wearily, wishing he could teach this man a more permanent lesson. However, there were no illusions that such an action would only prove to these people that they had been right to distrust him all these years. “Perhaps we can talk again once you have had a chance to calm down.”
Garin soundly pushed the man by the elbow and into a waiting Bran. The red-haired giant grabbed Melker firmly by the shoulders and plowed his forehead into the man’s without warning. Soon an auburn-haired miscreant joined a black-haired one in a dazed pile on the ground.
Then Garin could only shake his head in disbelief not only after there were various sounds of approval from the dispersing audience, but also when Bran said a little too gleefully, “You know, I don’t care what anyone else says—I’m glad you’ve decided to come live here! Damn; that was the most fun I’ve had in weeks!”
Chapter 16
Firestorm snorted with disappointment when Mattie made her come to a stop. In spite of the fact they had been riding through the countryside since right after the midday meal, the run was ending a lot sooner than the horse would have liked. Selina gave Mattie’s shoulder a quick pat before she slid down to the ground. Waiting for the girl to give her room, the woman then hopped off the chestnut’s back and joined her. The horse pranced a bit, causing Mattie to stroke her side.
“What a ride!” exclaimed Selina, her brown eyes sparkling and her black hair a frizzy mess. “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome,” Mattie said with a smile while rolling her right shoulder.
A frown of annoyance formed at the twinge of pain in her back. Hopefully, it wasn’t too late for Elita to take a look at it for her. Ever since Falkner had run a sword through her, the range of motion on the right side of her body had became a painful shadow of its former self. She really needed to hear that her motor skills were salvageable. Otherwise, a whole slew of new problems would emerge.
Mattie glanced around. No one was in sight, hiding inside no doubt. Round houses that greatly resembled mushrooms had popped up on this once open land, the largest structure in what seemed to be the middle of the group. Wooden boards made up the walls while tufts of thatch topped the roofs; they were all made of a simple but durable construction. Five winters of endurance at the most, but the elves were mainly concerned about surviving this year. Adonai alone knew where they would all be come the spring.
Mattie looked behind her, the bend in Hawk’s Run helping to hide the Black Willow Forest standing only a mile or so away. At least the refugees had indeed listened to Lord Gregory about the boundary for their dwellings. This show of cooperation would help them greatly when they finally pleaded their case to the residents.
“Mattie!”
The happy cry of her name turned her attention towards the caller. The elf she had come to see was heading her way, causing the smile to return. A willowy form had picked up pace, her long white-blond hair was bouncing behind her and causing her pointed ears to be clearly seen. She had forsaken her usual frilly attire and was wearing a soft, leather dress instead. Firestorm nickered a greeting while Elita wasted little time in giving Mattie a sisterly embrace.
“Thank all that’s Holy you’re back in one piece!” she said after they released one another. “If half the things Bran told me are to be believed, that is.”
Mattie chuckled. “I attract trouble even when I’m not looking for it, remember?”
That comment earned her a light smack in the back of the head. “Yes, I do.”
Selina snorted while Elita just gave Mattie a grin that dared the woman to contradict her response. Mattie only shrugged, knowing she would get another vigorous reprimand after she told the elf what had happened to her at the Stronghold.
“Come,” Elita said as she hooked her arm around Mattie’s. “Let me show you around.”
As Elita tried to explain why her people had chosen the circular form for their shelters, paying attention to the tour was difficult for Mattie. Something about the construction being better suited at keeping the heat contained inside, she vaguely recalled later. For though she nodded at all the appropriate moments, Mattie was internally fighting the desire to tell her friend everything. The fact that Elita’s father was actually dead, that Iantha was keeping his shade trapped on this side of the veil. But—damn it!—she couldn’t.
“Mattie, are you okay?”
Elita’s question startled Mattie out of her mental quagmire. “Sorry. I have a lot on my mind. Were you saying something?”
There was doubt in Elita’s violet eyes, but she merely shook her head with quiet exasperation. She waved her hand at the large building in front of them. “If your brain is done woolgathering, you can follow me inside. Quite a few of my people wish to meet with you.”
The wonder at the lack of bodies milling about the encampment was answered after Elita led the woman through the arch-shaped doorway. Once her eyes adjusted to the darker room, Mattie watched as every adult and child stood up at her entrance. Even Garin’s half-brother, Crius, was there, winking at her from a spot far behind the crowd. Selina slunk over to a nearby shadow while Elita placed her hands on Mattie’s shoulders and gently pushed her forward. Then a sob of bewilderment caught in Mattie’s throat as each and every elf placed their right hands over their hearts and bowed their heads.
Their show of high respect brought a tear to her eye. Though she had no idea as to why they had done this, Mattie sincerely said, “Thank you, one and all.”
“No; thank you,” said Batillus, Elita’s fiancé. Tucking his golden hair behind his pointed ears, those emerald eyes of his shone against his tanned skin. He was dr
essed in a fashion common to Crosshawk, with a simply cut tunic and pants of supple leather. A dagger with an unadorned golden handle was sheathed at his side. From the way he stood tall, it was apparent he had become a leader to these people. “You are the one who rescued me from enslavement and helped save my soulmate from various disasters. Your husband was the one who helped us to escape the clutches of our insane queen, and your father was the one who granted us sanctuary. Our show of appreciation has been far late in coming.”
“And there is another thing that I wish to give you,” added Elita as she regally strode to Batillus’ side. He quickly clasped her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “Out of our companions, you were the one I identified with most. The one to whom I shared most of my secrets. Though your marriage to Garin already binds us in a way, I wanted to make us sisters in full.”
Mattie’s jaw dropped to the floor. If her assumption was correct, not only was it a great honor but a magical one to boot! She searched all the elven faces for confirmation that she hadn’t just imagined everything. There were a few expressions of understanding at her surprise, and more than a few nods that they knew what was being asked and were comfortable with the concept.
“Hey, I’m just as surprised as you are,” said Selina with a shrug after Mattie’s gaze had turned to her.
“It’s a lot to consider, I know,” said Elita with a soft smile. “Take all the time you need. So for now, let’s eat!”
She ended her words with a clap of her hands, and the elves went into action. Many of them filed past Mattie to exit the building, making her wonder where they were heading. Some of the elves went to what she had, at first, thought a woodpile. Instead, they began to put the pre-cut lumber together to begin forming a large table. The children went to some baskets and began pulling out plates, cups, and cutlery. One of the smaller girls vigorously waved at her, and Mattie nodded her head to Garin’s friend, Lilium. The white-haired girl made a shriek of joy at being recognized and kept hopping on one foot as she went about her task.
As the group seamlessly started to set all this up on the far side of the room, Elita stood on her toes and whispered something into Batillus’ ear. His smile was one full of understanding, and he gave her a nod. She kissed him on the cheek and made her way back over to her friend.
“That was one hell of an offer to spring on me like that,” Mattie softly hissed once the elf was close enough to hear.
“I’m sorry I didn’t warn you,” she sincerely said as she hooked her arm into Mattie’s again. Leading her to Selina’s hiding spot, the elf explained, “But my people were the ones who came up with the idea. Ever since we had that conversation about Iantha, a weight lifted off my heart. They pestered me forever on what had changed my demeanor, rejoicing that something had gotten me past the gloom surrounding me.”
Selina snorted. “Maybe it’s the fact you’re spending more time with that gorgeous-looking elf over there.”
Mattie cringed at the girl’s statement, but Elita let out a soft and melodious laugh. “I’ve missed this one too,” the elf said as she reached out and gave the youth a quick squeeze on the arm. “Refreshingly honest as always.”
“I do what I can,” Selina said with a mischievous smile.
They soon had to move a little farther away from the door as a whole troop returned carrying various pots and dishes filled with food. Despite having partaken of the midday meal a little over an hour ago, Mattie’s stomach growled at the delicious scents wafting her way. Then she began praying that no one tripped because a white-haired obstacle was suddenly running through the incoming throng.
“Mattie!” shrieked Lilium before she grabbed the woman’s leg and embraced it tightly. “You and Garn are back!”
Mattie smiled as she gently disengaged the little girl from her calf. “Yes, young one, we are.”
“Where is he?”
Even as Selina and Elita chuckled, Mattie squatted down and said, “I’m sorry, young one, but he had his own errands to run today. I’m sure he’ll visit you soon.”
The girl tilted her head and demanded, “Promise?”
“Promise.”
A very weary-looking Monarda came forward and chuckled, “Hopefully before she peppers my mate and I incessantly about his absence again. She and a few of the other children have missed him greatly.”
Mattie gave the elf a respectful nod. “I’ll let him know that they want to see him.”
Monarda returned the gesture when she said, “Then I’m confident he will find some way to come visit within the week. He always did behave like an elder brother when it came to any child he has spent time with.”
“He does at that,” said Mattie with a grin, understanding her husband a little more. That comment greatly explained why he had felt so protective of Selina from the start.
The elf smiled before scooping Lilium off the ground, the girl giggling at being picked up. When her mother began to move away, she enthusiastically waved farewell. Mattie chuckled and gave a much calmer one in return.
Soon a loud cheer went up, indicating all the preparations were done. Elita nodded to Batillus, and he insisted that everyone get started. Sly one, her friend. The noise from the crowd increased, allowing them a moment of privacy.
Once confident that no one would hear, Mattie rose up from the ground and asked her friend the most burning question that was on her mind, “Considering your people’s history, are you positive that you want to share a bond with a dragon?”
Elita shook her head. “I want to share a bond with the one who listened to all my problems and helped take care of some of them in the process.”
“What is this bond thing?” asked Selina, her curiosity sincere. “It’s not going to include that mental talking thing that she has with Garin, is it?”
“Not at that complexity, no,” chuckled Elita. “Though it can alert us when the other is in distress and be used as a way to track that person down.”
“More like a reinforced gut feeling than anything else,” Mattie said trying to remember what she had read about such things. “Something the royal lines required of siblings for the first hundred years or so. It was the best way to keep some of those rivalries from going too far; hard to kill someone when you would also feel the death blow.”
Selina shivered. “That’s harsh.”
“It was too soon after Wolfgang had fought Roland for the throne for them to not put that preventative measure in place,” Mattie pointed out. “It fell out of practice centuries ago.”
“While still abused from time to time,” added Elita with a weary sigh, most likely remembering the guardianship bond Jacob Gunderson had placed on Selina. “It has become more traditional as a way to honor a trusted friend, and even then, it is seldom done.”
“So why offer it to Mattie?”
Elita began to tug on one of her long blond strands. “My people feel they owe a great debt to her family, but we have very little to give at the moment. I agreed to this because Mattie is like a sister to me. In a lot of ways, our upbringings were the same. Though I love both you and Orla as well, Mattie understood me the best.”
Which was why Mattie quickly reached out to Garin through their own bond. She explained the surprise the elves had landed at her feet. Since it was his true half-sister, she wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to have a problem with Mattie and Elita becoming blood-sisters.
There was an unfamiliar edge to Garin’s thoughts when he relayed: Bring her to the estate first so I can tell her everything about her father. She deserves to know the truth before committing herself to you, especially if what she hears makes her angry enough to cut ties with both of us!
***
After learning that Garin wanted to first talk something over with her before the bond was performed, Elita pulled Mattie away from the others. She pushed a willing Selina straight for the food before she spirited the woman outside. Though curious, Mattie let Elita silently lead her downstream towards the Black Willow Forest.
Once in front of a majestic and gigantic tree bordering that area, the elf finally spoke. “I know what Garin wishes to tell me,” she said with a sigh. “And I appreciate that both of you had come to the hard decision of sharing the truth.”
Mattie’s shock could not be hidden. “You know about your father?”
“His shade told me the whole tale,” she said with a tone of melancholy while she strode over to the nearest black trunk. She almost grabbed the tree as if she needed its help to hold her up. “My father saw my reluctance about leading some of our people here, so he admitted what Iantha had done to him. She never realized what would happen to her, the trials she would have to undergo. Our people have been paying a horrendous price ever since she became their queen, and she faces an even greater one for keeping him on this plane—neither situation is one I could ever condone. And the background upheaval caused by your appearance in Arduenna, unfortunately, was her breaking point.”
Guilt filled Mattie. “Elita, I’m so sorry. Why weren’t you honest with me about all this before?”
The elf shook her head. “Because it’s truly not your fault, and I knew you would blame yourself needlessly. My brother was beyond correct for always describing Iantha as complicated, though perhaps haunted would be closer to the truth. And with how she has always carried a possessive slant to her insanities, the fact my little brother had shown real interest in anyone not originally from Arduenna was bound to push her over the edge.”
Mattie shivered at that last statement, thankful that nothing more than being forbidden from entering Arduenna had occurred between her and Iantha at their last meeting. “But why did your father tell you anything? Without that knowledge, you could’ve reconciled with your mother someday.”
She hung her head and let out a shaky sigh. “She would imprison Crius and I on sight, if not worse. She has never been a forgiving creature. The only one who might pardon us would be Oriana; she’s always been the most open-minded of us all. But I doubt Iantha would stand aside at this point, not after all the horrendous things she has done to hold onto that throne.”
Unraveled Homecoming Page 11
