Hierarchy (Book Four of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Thirty: A Night Out

Fykes had spent most of his time in Rastridge tending to the refugees. They came in large groups, and getting them settled was, more often than not, a struggle. Most of them were families, and he could tell from their eyes they had seen things they should not have. He did his best to raise their moods, keep them warm, and provide food, and distractions.

He felt as though one of the gnomes' enormous clocks had been counting down. That no matter what he did, that he would chase after it. Graiden had a plan, now. A solid plan. The defenses were as ready as they could be. Now all that was left was the battle. The soldiers were not here yet. But he knew they were looming. And Katerin was not yet returned from Uhm'bantha.

He gritted his teeth, Ho'ryian's warning echoing in his mind. The dreams had ceased. But... the warning had not left his thoughts. Had his mother attacked Katerin and Brazen while they were away from him? He knew the thoughts were not logical. That they were speculation, at best. But that did nothing to keep the itch of worry away. But Katerin and Brazen both were stubborn. And he had promised Graiden help. Nothing to do about it, now.

At least he had busy work.

He placed the last stack of blankets in the corner, waved a farewell to the people, and made his way down the road.

"Fykes!" A voice shouted, shaking him from his thoughts. "Aye, Fykes! Come back down to us, would ya?"

Fykes turned to behold Jon, waving his arms down the street. Jogging to close the distance, he slapped Jon's shoulder. "You're back from the Bay?"

"For a while now. Itrea's a bit lonely without you all there, you know."

Fykes snorted. He would much prefer it stay quiet.

"Anyway, I was going to the tavern, and Graiden said you were out this way. Figured I could drag you out of your responsibilities, for a minute."

"Well, I just got done," Fykes said, walking at a slower pace.

"Damn," Jon muttered.

In the tavern, Donovar sat on his usual stool, but unlike usual, he was still awake. Arjiah sat across from him, and momentarily, Fykes felt as if he was in the past. Like he had walked into a memory. The Everinbrothers had changed little, and his old friends had the same looks they always had. Jon nearly shoved him onto a stool, and before he could blink there was a drink on the bar.

The conversation that followed was nothing of import. Jon told of his travels back to Itrea, and the wonderful mystery woman he had met. Fykes could not understand why he refused to give a name, though he supposed it might be because she was imaginary. Donovar was explaining his newest enchantment to Arjiah, who was, as usual with new things, quite interested.

All in all, it was a fine way to spend an evening. But Fykes felt as if he was only half there. They asked him of his work, and how things were progressing, and they cracked more than one nervous joke about how the war would go. But, Katerin and Brazen were absent, and no matter how distracting Donovar and Jon's antics became, that never left his mind. No matter how many drinks he had, or how many jokes were told.

When the pipe smoke had filled the ceiling of the tavern and half its patrons snored in their seats, Fykes put his mug down. But just at that moment, Jon let out a loud chuckle.

"And there's the mystery woman in the flesh!" He grinned broadly.

In the doorway, Halemeda was conversing with Katerin, whose hands gestured widely. Behind them, Brazen held the door and was smiling.

Katerin's eyes glistened, and she hugged Halemeda once more before making her way to the bar. Jon stood to greet Halemeda, and as soon as he did, Katerin slipped into his seat and embraced Fykes tightly. As she did, it felt as though the world came back into focus.