CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
JESPER AND I ARRIVE IN Kraryn and the moment we step out of the shadows and into the castle, he groans. “I don’t like leaving her, especially right now.”
“I know, but I need to update my mother on everything we’ve learned, and I’d feel better if she wasn’t left alone here. Talyn and Killian won’t let anything happen to Rav,” I tell him as we make our way down the halls.
“I know. I better go and get mine, and then we can get back when you’re ready to make that big of a jump again.” He twirls his blade in his hand, something he does when he’s anxious or feeling stabby, which happens whenever he isn’t near our mate.
“I should be good to go in a few hours. Keep your wits about you; we have a skeleton staff on site and not many guards. I wouldn’t put it past the Lords to have someone keeping an eye here.”
He jerks his head in a singular nod. “Let them try. It’s been a bit since I’ve been able to stab anyone.”
Jesper wanders down another corridor, whistling as he goes, tossing his blade in the air as he walks to the wing his mother is residing in.
I shake my head in amusement as I continue further down to my parents’ wing. It’s odd but reassuring she has my father here with her now that he’s awake and not corrupted.
I knock on their suite and my father opens the door. “Son! I thought you were in Maleen, is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. May I come in?” I ask.
“Aemon? Is that you?” I hear my mother as my father lets me pass.
“It is mother, how is everything?” I greet her with a quick hug and a peck on the cheek.
She smiles widely, her eyes glowing with happiness as she steps into my fathers side. “I couldn’t be better, but why are you here?” Her face drops with worry. “Is Ravina okay? Did Calantha…?
“Ravina is well and her mother is still the same, no change, but the healers are keeping her comfortable. I actually came here because I would like you to come back to Maleen with Jesper and I. Hopefully his mother too. We don’t think it’s wise to have you here.
It’s been too quiet in the realm, like the calm before the storm, and I need someone to take over my duties for a week or so in a few days.
” I stare at my father; I remember him stepping in for Ravina’s fathers a few times, bringing me with him so I could see Ravina.
“Of course, son, but I assumed you would be needed in Maleen for a while. Why are you leaving?” His brows crease with concern as he holds my mother closer.
So I tell him about finding the dragons and about the frenzy, sparing him the details.
“Ah yes, I remember stepping in during that time for Queen Calantha and her mates. Of course we will come to the city. It would be nice to see the capital again.”
My mother nods. “I will go and dismiss the staff with extra pay for the late notice and call up our friends from town to watch over our home while we are gone. Then we can pack.” She kisses my dad on the cheek and hurries off.
My father stares after her with hearts in his eyes before clearing his throat.
“There’s something I need to speak with you about.
What your mate did for me, clearing my mind…
” His fists clench and he stares off into the distance.
“I haven’t been able to reach my dragon.
He’s there, I can feel him, but I’m afraid his mind was altered too.
He’s not answering my calls to come home. ”
I sharply inhale. “Windbiter is still alive?” He vanished after my father was placed in his coma and we haven’t heard a whisper of him since.
I just assumed he was gone, but that was before I realized that if one bonded dies, so does the other.
Does that mean if a rider or dragon’s mind is warped… So is the other?
“Yes, he’s blocked me out… I’m not sure what state he’s in. But if his mind has been taken over like mine was, would she help him too?”
My heart freezes, thinking about how much using the Soul Stone took out of her.
That every time she uses it, it takes a piece of her magick from her.
Yet, I know if she knew this, she wouldn’t hesitate, and I understand.
Ever since I’ve bonded to Evisdor, if I was cut off from him, I would want to do everything in my power to right that.
“As would I,” he rumbles into my mind.
“I will speak with her,” I tell him, even though I want to keep her as far away from that Fates-damned stone as possible. I would reach out to her now, but I know through the bond she is a bit… preoccupied with Talyn. I’m glad that oaf was able to fix things with her.
My father’s posture relaxes slightly. “Thank you son, I wouldn’t ask if I could fix it myself.”
I nod, feeling uneasy. Not about my father, but about his beast. Why wouldn’t he try to communicate? If he was warped, wouldn’t he come back to wreak destruction? Something isn’t adding up and it has Lord Craven written all over it.
I LEAVE MY parents to pack their belongings for the trip and go search out Jesper, hoping he hasn’t found himself in any trouble.
Jesper’s voice rises from down the corridor. “Mother, I don’t know how many times I’ve told you. Evander and I may be brothers and I’ve done everything to keep him and you safe, but he just threw it all back in my face.”
I quicken my steps.
“Jesper,” Ceila says, exasperated. “He’s a grown male now; he’s not a fledgling anymore and hasn’t been for a few years.
Can you blame him for wanting to follow after his older brother’s footsteps?
I won’t go back until you agree to try to mend fences with him.
This rift between you two has gone on long enough.
I miss seeing you two laugh together. Please. For me?”
I knock on the frame of the open door and they both turn to face me. “You know your mother has a point,” I tell him.
He throws his hands in the air. “Fine. I will talk to Evander.”
“And mend fences,” Ceila adds, crossing her arms.
“And mend fences,” he repeats, reluctantly. “Are you happy?” he throws at me, clearly annoyed.
“Extremely,” I smile. “As is your mother.”
His eye twitches. I know his brother taking part in the rebellion is a sore spot for him.
I understand that he feels betrayed. After all, he lost sight in his eye keeping Evander and his mother safe, even if he tells everyone that it was because his stepmother was jealous—which I suppose is part of it.
All the things his father and his chosen mate did to him was to keep them safe.
But that is something they need to hash out between siblings.
“Come, let’s spar while we wait for our parents to gather their belongings.” I jerk my head in the direction of the training yard.
His eyes glint with excitement. It’s best he gets the energy out now, before we get back to Maleen. Jesper practically skips out of the room, eager for the challenge.
His mother sighs. “Thank you. I know he’s hurt, but I can’t stand to see them fighting anymore.”
“Everything will work out,” I tell her. “You know, Jesper is fiercely protective and doesn’t let go of grudges easily. He loves him, that’s why he’s so angry.”
“I know; it’s my job to try and guide them though. It’s harder now that they are older. Parenting never stops, you’ll learn that one day.” She smiles softly. “Go on. It won’t take me long to be ready.”
I dip my head and follow after Jesper. I haven’t thought of being a parent, and the thought warms my heart, but I won’t bring a fledgling into a war-torn realm. If we all make it through this war, then maybe I’ll let my mind ponder the idea.
The night air is refreshing as I step out onto the training field. I take a deep breath, searching for my brother in arms. Three consecutive thuds have me turning toward the archery targets where I see Jesper already on his way to collect his throwing blades.
My boots crunch against the dirt and sand as I amble over to him. He throws his blades again, hitting the bullseye, the thin blades side by side.
He sighs, hearing me approach. “Do you think I’m taking it too far with Evander?”
I step up beside him, both of us staring at the red ringed target. “I think you need to talk with him, and actually listen to what he says. We both know you tend to kill first and not ask questions later. You two used to be so close.”
He’s silent as he goes and collects his blades, and when he reaches me once more he throws them again, hitting the same marks.
“I do miss him,” he whispers, and I keep quiet; it’s not often we get to see this side of him.
“It just pisses me off! This whole situation fucking pisses me off. The only good things to come out of it are Ravina and you guys.”
Tisur broadcasts his bond so I can hear. “I better be included in that statement, rider,” he huffs.
“Of course you are, that should be obvious. Who else would catch me when I do something ridiculous.”
I can practically hear his eyeroll. “It’s bizarre being able to hear everyone up here now.” I tap my temple, chuckling quietly.
He throws the blades again. “It’s never a dull moment.” He sighs. “I will talk to him tomorrow. Now are we going to spar so I can kick your ass all the way back to Maleen, or are we going to stand here gossiping like females during afternoon tea?”
I smirk, unclasping my cloak. “It will be your ass being kicked back to Maleen.”