Chapter 26 #2
He had a pleasant, melodic voice, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not hear any trace of cruelty or malice in it.
“Hanoch,” Tynan tipped his head slightly.
“I did not expect to see you here.” The man wiped his hands and made a sign to his servants, who immediately started to clear the dishes.
“Where’s Quirin?” Tynan asked.
“He’s gone. Flying accident,” his brother responded.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Tynan said.
Hanoch lowered his head, saying nothing.
“We need your help,” Tynan added.
“Is that so?” Hanoch scrutinized our small group.
“We parted ways with the council, and need a place to stay while we figure out where to go next,” Tynan said.
“What makes you think that I want to risk my stance with the council over you?” Hanoch returned his gaze to his brother.
“I had hoped everything I was told about family, duty, and honor was true.” Tynan raised his head meeting his stare.
There was something new in his eyes, flames that I have never seen before. He did not look like someone asking for help, he was bending the others to his will.
“You betrayed us.”
“Is that what it’s being called?” Tynan smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
“What did you tell your masters in the capital about Darragh?” Hanoch asked.
“I don't have any masters,” Tynan replied.
“And you expect me to believe that?” the man behind the table asked.
“Believe whatever you want,” Tynan said.
“Alfrida, I can’t believe you are so grown. Your friends would be so happy to see you. Sol, why did you follow them? Big mistake.” Hanoch only glanced at Victor, not saying a word to him. When his eyes landed on me, I wanted to disappear.
“Who is she?” he asked.
“A friend.” Tynan tensed up.
“A friend? Is that so?” Hanoch frowned.
“Will you help us or not?” Tynan seemed to be losing his patience.
“I don’t think you will find anyone here who would accept traitors in their house.” Hanoch’s face assumed a hard expression.
“Is that how you do it now?” Tynan scowled.
“I changed things a bit. I want people to be more involved. Like in the old days.” Hanoch walked around the table and leaned on the corner with his arms crossed on his chest.
“I see. Can we at least talk to some people in the valley?” Tynan added.
“I doubt anyone will want to take you. It was a big mistake coming all the way here.”
“I will take them,” another voice joined in.
All of us turned to see an older woman in a long dress with creamy ruffles on her bodice and sleeves. Her long, white hair was braided and decorated with silk flowers.
“Grace. I forgot that you were still here.” Hanoch sighed and rubbed his eyes.
“You said you wanted things to be done the old way. Did you not? As long as there is someone who invites the newcomers into their home, they can stay. That is the rule,” the older woman calmly stated.
“It’s not a good idea, grandma.” Hanoch stood up.
“I will be the judge of that.” The woman moved closer. Her head was raised high as she slowly approached our group.
“There is no room in the palace,” Hanoch tried to protest.
“I still have my cottage. We will manage,” she responded.
I could see the pursed lips and the scowl on Hanoch’s face when he waved his hand dismissing us. He walked back to his seat, shaking his head and muttering something to himself.
Everyone bowed, except for Tynan who gave his brother a long look before moving away.
The older woman paused by the door and gave us a short appraising look before disappearing behind it. I followed the others, not fully grasping what was going on.
“What’s happening?” I managed to whisper to Frid when we walked down the stairs back toward the valley.
“Grace vouched for us and invited us to her home. That means that we can stay,” Frid responded in a low voice.
“Is she Tynan’s grandma?” I asked.
“Yes.” Frid looked back at the fields.
I could see the unmistakably somber and sorrowful expression on her face, as if she was almost physically uncomfortable returning to the place she came from.
I had so many more questions, but I pulled back, giving her space to process whatever was on her mind.
I kept checking on Tynan but I did not need to look at him to feel the restless agitation seeping from every move he made.
Sol was more gloomy than usual, and even Victor grew uncharacteristically quiet.
What was it about this place that made them feel that way?
I knew that the others were out of spirits, but I could not help enjoying the views of the valley.
The combination of small stone houses that looked like a part of the landscape, misty air and the stillness of the mountains.
The sounds, the colors, gave me a sense of peace I did not know I had been missing.
We walked further into the valley and at last, somewhere between the fields and the rocky wall in the distance I saw a small cottage.The house stood with its side turned to the valley, bringing the whole front of it toward the bright rays of sunlight.
The yard looked overgrown but in a beautifully, effortless way with its wild poppies, daisies, and mountain phloxes that swayed in the light breeze like gemstones.
The house, the view of the mountains, made me feel as if I was in a land of fairies.
My eyes landed on the old, weather beaten fence, the crooked roof, and I knew that I had never seen anything more perfect than this place.
“You can stay in the cottage. I am not using it anymore since Hanoch insisted that I move to the palace. He probably regrets his decision now.” Grace stopped by the fence and placed her hand on the dark wood.
She scrutinized everyone and when her eyes found mine, I felt like hiding behind Tynan’s broad back.
“What is your name?” she asked.
“Alina,” I responded, lowering my eyes.
“You are not from here,” the woman said and I nodded.
“Very well.” Her eyes shifted back to Tynan, who moved closer to me as if trying to get between us. “Don’t make me regret it,” she said, opening the front door.