In book four of the Torrent Skies Saga, Kryrial is scouring the lands, tormenting not only the people of his kingdom but those outside of it. His reach is nearly as vast as his ability.
Lodyne continues her insistence that she is the purpose of Kat...
Two days later, as Katerin left her office, to find her night's rest, she found Corbin at the top of the stairs, free of his armor, his muscled arms crossed across his chest.
"You'll be visiting Kieneltra, and Colin?" he asked, his chin high.
"Tomorrow," Katerin said, the tiredness she felt creeping in.
At her gesture, Corbin followed her down the hall with a thoughtful look on his face.
"And, Hearth-Home is... safe now? Safe enough for them?"
Katerin bit her lip. "Safe as it can be, really. There's a lot to rebuild, but its possible, without Kryrial." she paused. "Do... do you want to return?"
Now it was Corbin's turn to hesitate.
Since he had come to her manor, Corbin had worked hard, not only to keep his word to her, but to keep Zino and Kieneltra safe. She almost felt bad for her initial suspicion of him. He had even been badly hurt, and still not refused an opportunity to help.
Corbin's jaw worked, and he looked down. "No. I deserted, I can't—"
"If you want to go home, Corbin, I'll speak to Colin about it. You kept Kieneltra safe, from Kryrial himself. I'm sure that—"
"I didn't keep her safe." His words were rigid. "But, that's not what I mean," He held up a hand. "I decided when I left, that I was fine with never returning. I'm glad, that Hearth-Home isn't completely in ruins, I won't lie. But I have no desire to see it, broken as it is."
Katerin was reminded of Halemeda's words, and though Corbin's expression was more torn, it was reminiscent of the headmistresses own sentiments. She sighed."They can fix it. Kryrial is gone. He won't ever be able to hurt the city, or the kingdom again." Katerin's tone took on a yearning note, and it made her wonder how much she believed her words, herself.
Corbin shook his head. "That city always had problems, lady. Always. The flames that Kryrial stoked were already there. The people... they are selfish. If its not Kryrial to spur them on, then it will be something else." He sighed. "I appreciate you offering, Lady Katerin, I do. But I have a home here, to protect. Something... honorable, to fight for. If you will allow me to stay."
Katerin let out a short laugh as she stopped before her bedroom door. "Is that why you look so worried? Do you think I would turn you away?"
"Well, the princess is no longer here," Corbin's gaze fell downcast.
"Was she the only reason you stayed?"
His feet shuffled. "It was a good reason,"
Katerin raised an eyebrow.
"But it is not the only reason." His gaze met hers, and underneath the posture of rigidity and surety, Katerin could tell that he was worried.
"You can do as you wish, Corbin. I'll not order you about it, one way or another."
"So I may stay, Lady Katerin?"
She smiled as she nodded her head. "But remember, if you call me lady too often, I'll have to cut your pay."
He offered a quick nod and made off down the stairs without another word. With a sigh, Katerin found her bed, and laid her head on the pillow wondering how hard it could be to leave a dammed title out of a name.
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