Red Rivers and Nightmares

2. Freedom, Finally

I nod at Papa, smiling faintly before I turn and make my way to the gold-edged double doors confidently. As I walk into the rarely used room I see most of my family already there, even Mother and my brothers are already there. Thankfully, Iien is sitting next to Mother and Akun next to Iien so there will be enough space for me to keep my silent promise to Papa.

Mother takes a second to look at me before continuing her whispered conversation with Orsa. I sigh happily and get comfortable in my seat next to Akun. My younger brother takes one look at me then rolls his eyes. I stick my tongue out at him as Papa sits on my right. After that I take a look around to see no smiling faces, a first ever with all of us gathered like this.

I raise my eyebrows to see Arenii sitting next to Togin. She is only nine and by tradition should be excluded but it appears Togin is serious about his desire to train all of those in his direct line to lead. If anybody were to ask me what I thought I would tell them that it was wise of him to do so, but if I am being completely honest it really makes me envious. I am the daughter of Togin's youngest granddaughter, my chances at freedom of choice are dependent on the generosity of my elders.

It is rather irksome.

I look up as the heavy doors open once more. This time it is Karri and Tesaria who walk through the door. My left eyebrow twitches slightly watching her impassive face look over all of us before it breaks slightly as her golden gaze lands on Hana. Out of all of us she is the most blessed. Even my mother says so, to me. I look between the cousins trying to see the hostility that all have been whispering about but they are both unreadable.

I huff, causing Papa to pat my hand. I give him a quick smile before looking between them again. My head tilts slightly as Sora murmurs to his daughter. Karri holds herself rigidly instead of leaning closer to him like I do to Papa, but this is not strange. As long as I can remember Karri has always been apart from her father. I do not understand how someone like her is supposed to be so blessed. I would think love and happiness would show others how much we have been blessed, not according to Mother though.

I frown slightly watching Yura's descendants but I get distracted as Koel and Taiu enter. They are the last of us and I am glad as Koel's ever darkening eyes causes a chill down my spine. Next to me I hear Akun and Iien talking with Mother about it but I am too uncomfortable to talk. My affinity tells me to be wary around him. I know it is wrong, logically, Koel is my cousin but his eyes are not normal. A Keeper's eyes do not change color for no reason, especially after their affinity has settled.

My head jerks to the head of the table as Tennan coughs loudly. Only after everybody has settled down does he become more aggressive with his elbows leaning on the table, "Let us begin. We have gotten a message today from Iron's River. In it they say one of their Dreamer's Saw a fight coming to them that they could not win. As such, they have asked for our help; I have decided to give this help after much deliberation."

I almost start vibrating. This could be my chance to really get outside! There is no possibility where those who could speak out would.

After his pause Tennan continues, "As there are no disapprovals. Family, who would volunteer to lead a group of our Warriors to the town?"

Only a second passes when Togin stands up, pride lining his muscles, "It would be my honor to lead the group of Warriors. As Commander it is also my duty to make sure one of our biggest iron trade partners remains safe."

I nod imperceptibly as I feel pride myself. That is my direct grandfather wanting to lead our Warriors to protect others. My grandfather is courageous and strong and I am his descendant.