The Son of Thunder

Chapter 55

"It's smaller than I thought it would be," Glenada said, inspecting Magpie's chamber. She wasn't unlike a fat hen poking at seed.

Magpie rubbed her head at the temple. She wanted her mother to go away. Somewhere in her heart, she knew she loved her, but exhaustion was flooding her. "It's very much the same as yours," Magpie said, sitting at her dressing table. Her eyes were drooping and her brain throbbed.

"It's larger than ours," Canary said, cradling her child and strolling across the room.

Little snot. "Where's Torin?"

Canary hadn't smiled since they'd entered Magpie's chambers. "I don't know."

"You should keep better tabs on your husband," Glenada squawked.

"He wanted to be alone, Mana," Canary said, rocking the babe, one of her fingers in his mouth. "I am content to leave him alone." Her tone made Magpie regret the jab.

Lorid paged through one of the books Lightening had given to Magpie. "This inscription, Magpie," he said, pointing at the written words, "what does it say?"

"To my precious Magpie. For your endless perseverance. Your integrity will someday be recognized." She dropped her head back into her hand.

Lorid stared at the scrawl. "He must be brilliant to write such words."

"He reads a lot," she groaned. Magpie was lucky she wasn't dozing off in her seat. She was too worn for this.

"All the same, you must be a great value to him," Glenada said.

"Canary," Magpie said, "may I hold your son?"

She handed him to her, helped position her hands. Magpie was lively enough to manage her sleeping nephew. And she wanted an escape, even if it meant communing with this enemy sister of hers.

"What is his name?"

"Noan."

"Hello, Noan," Magpie sang, tickling his chin.

The Lovebirds bounced on Magpie's bed. They were getting old for that behavior.

"I'm hungry, Mana," Hobs said.

"Me too, Mana," Nile chimed.

Glenada thrust her arms down. "Very well." She tied her kinsash at her waist and gathered the siblings up.

"Oh, but Mana, I want to stay," Nile said. "Why can't we eat here?"

"Magpie has had a long day. She needs rest. All in Thundonia should be tired."

Lorid leaned over and kissed Magpie's forehead. "We're proud of you."

"Yes, Pata."

"Mana," Hobs said, "I want to see the Son of Thunder."

"Some other time. He had a fatiguing day," she said, pushing him forward.

Canary lingered as Annadam hugged Magpie and Dark took her hand. Magpie bent down and pressed her lips to Aza's cheek and told her she would come visit her soon. Magpie promised her a present. Hawk stood opposite of Magpie as she rose up.

Hawk declared, "I'm staying with Annadam and Dark. I wish to become a Star Child."

Magpie choked. She'd suffered too many shocks for this nonsense. "What of being employed in Thundonia?"

"I am to be a carpenter in Valley," he said. "Fatelle says that I have positive attitudes."

"Then you're doomed."