Chapter 3
1462 Words
CHAPTER THREE
We ventured into the parlor, and I was surprised to find our bags packed and seated near the door. I nodded at our small bit of luggage. “You guys were that fast?”
“I took the liberty to pack,” Brother Collins spoke up as the man himself appeared behind our two guests. A bemused smile played across his lips as the rest of us took our seats about the room. “I assumed you would come back successful and ventured to prepare for the journey.”
Ros pursed his lips as he studied the three bags. “You packed one too many.”
I frowned at him. “I’m not being-”
“Not you,” Ros interrupted me as he lifted his eyes to our loyal friend. “You.”
Brother Collins started back. “But why should I remain behind?”
“We need someone to venture overland and watch the ports for us in case we should find some trouble on the seas,” Ros insisted.
Our friend gathered himself and shook his head. “I would much rather remain with you and-”
“Fewer people makes for quicker travel,” Ros countered as he strode over to Collins and set a hand on the distraught man’s shoulder. He smiled into the worried eyes of our friend. “And you will not be useless, nor do I expect you to take this task lightly. I expect an update when one is necessary.”
Collins sighed, but a slight smile touched his lips. “The usual method?”
Ros nodded. “The usual method, old friend.”
Trent rose from his chair. “If you are worried about intelligence, I might gather it for you along the coast. I know those roads and inns as well as anyone, and money speaks very loudly where chatter is not welcome.”
Ros smiled at his brother. “I would ask you, but your presence would alert our foes to our coming.”
“Then they should go together,” Tia spoke up.
Her sons looked at her as though she had gone mad, and Trent shook his head. “I fail to understand you, Mother.”
She chuckled. “Because you are accustomed to lurking in the shadows beneath your hood or venturing along the roads in full regalia. Both may be necessary here, so why not follow along with Brother Collins, and be both his companion and his distraction should one be needed? If the King of Shadows does indeed have spies, which none of us doubts, then you may prove a good distraction from Ros and Kate.”
Trent let out a laugh. “So that I might be a decoy for my little brother?”
She smiled and bowed her head. “Precisely.”
Trent turned to Ros and me, and I noticed my dragon husband looked a little on the apprehensive side. Trent, however, grinned at him. “What do you say to that, Ros?”
“I say you’re taking a great risk,” Ros mused.
Trent clapped his brother on the back. “Yes, but for a noble and world-encompassing cause! What more could a prince of Hadrianus do but answer such a call?” He turned to Collins without waiting for a reply. “And I shall be your shadow, if you will have me.”
Collins bowed his head. “It would be an honor.”
Ros cleared his throat. “Whatever happens, I don’t want either of you to reveal yourselves unless absolutely necessary.”
Collins offered his friend a small smile. “Of course, sir. We will remain as discreet as possible for as long as possible.”
“I shall pack my own belongings and meet you here within the hour,” Trent announced before he stepped forward and grasped one of my hands and one that belonged to Ros. “And the same scolding goes to you two, as well. Keep yourselves covered by anonymity and bring yourselves home.”
Ros set his hand atop his brother’s and nodded. “We will and thank you.”
Trent smiled and slipped out of the room. As he passed his mother, she reached out a hand to him. He grasped it for a moment before he hurried on his way. At his departure, she rose and clasped her hands in front of her before she walked over to us. “You have come but briefly, and swift is your departure.” A few loose tears strayed into her eyes. “Whatever happens, wherever you are, know that I will always be proud of you.”
Ros gave her a gentle smile and wrapped his arms around her in a soft hug. “Thank you, Mother. I will keep your words with me.”
Tia looked over his shoulder and smiled at me before she pulled them apart. “Might I speak with your beautiful bride a moment alone before you fly away to the far seas?”
Ros looked at her with curiosity but nodded and left the room with Collins at his back, making sure to close the doors behind them. To say I was nervous in the presence of such an ancient creature would be an understatement, but her kind smile helped to alleviate some of my unease.
She grasped both my hands and studied my face. “My echo. My shadow. My other self. Great is the journey you are about to begin, and there will be many perils.”
I snorted. “I think that’s pretty much all this world has for me.”
Her smile widened. “Whatever happens, know that I pray for both of you, and I look forward to the day when you will find yourself, and the path that is set for you.”
I furrowed my brow. “You mean as a goddess?”
She chuckled, and the noise echoed over the room like the din of tiny bells. “If that is your path then I welcome you with open arms to our company, but the true answer lies ahead of you.”
I sighed. “On Baheal, if we can get to it.”
She nodded. “Yes, and I have faith that together you two will reach that place and find the answers you seek. For now, I wish you a good journey, and may you return to us very soon.”
She stepped back and her hands slipped out of mine. The goddess gifted me with one last bright smile before she turned to the doors and stepped out into the hall. Ros and Collins stood together on the opposite side and spoke in low tones.
Tia clucked her tongue as she approached them. “I have seen such looks when you ventured to steal a raft and sail out to the far islands. What are you two up to now?”
Ros lifted his head and smiled at his mother. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. “We were merely wondering what you two were talking about.”
Tia waved her hand in front of her face. “Nothing more than some feminine advice. Now then, when do you leave?”
He grasped her upper arms and his expression softened. “Immediately, if you’re done with my bride, though I must admit I’m sorry to leave so soon.”
She shook her head. “Nonsense. You were born to search for adventure.”
His good humor faltered a little. “I have been doing that quite a while, haven’t I?”
Tia patted him on the shoulder. “You will find your harbor one day. For now, enjoy the seas and what they have to offer.”
“In moderation,” I added as I joined the trio.
Ros’ eyes twinkled with glee. “Even the ladies?”
I snorted. “Especially the ladies.”
“Then I won’t deter this beautiful lady any longer,” he mused as he pecked a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Goodbye, Mother, and we’ll see you soon.”
Her eyes glistened as she nodded. “The gods willing.”
We parted from our friends and ventured out of the house with our luggage in sacks thrown over our shoulders. I couldn’t help but pause at the end of the walk and turn back toward the home. Collins and Tia stood on the threshold in front of the open door, and at my turning she gave me a wave while Collins bowed his head. I gave them a smile before I rejoined Ros a few steps ahead.
Something told me a lot would happen before we met again. If we met again.
- Writer
