Silver Eyes Chronicles: The Journey Begins Trilogy: Book One: The Reunion

Chapter Forty: Council Meeting

Naria

A few weeks later, I've recovered sufficiently enough to get out of bed. I stretch my arms over my head, testing the muscles that have been sore for so many months. No pain is there so that holds my relief.

The first thing I want to do after the long weeks of rest is to get back into sparring. I dress in a fresh tunic and pants, pulling on a pair of boots. I brush my hair until it is as soft as velvet and tie a ribbon around it. I secure the leather belt around my waist and touch the twin swords in their scabbards. I smile grimly now as I know what I'm going to use these swords for. What these swords and what weapons have always been used for. To kill Nayuna and anyone else just like her. I am not a murderess. I don't like violence but I know that to save those I love, I will have to kill the one who have caused this mess. And I know that I will do it even if I don't like it.

Raeyeda

Raeyeda knocks on the door of her daughter's room, as soon as she is sure that Naria is gone. She feels like an intruder at a time like this, but at times like these, it is necessary. Besides, there are times when said feelings need to be set aside.

The door opens and Ronan is the one who answers it. When he sees who it is, his warm customary smile becomes wan, almost polite, but courteous when he acknowledges her.

"Raeyeda," he says, in greeting. "How can I help you? Naria is not here, if that is what you're wondering."

"Hello Ronan. No, I'm not here about my daughter," Raeyeda says, her tone faltering when she starts to see the start of icy disapproval in his unblinking gaze. "I only came to..." she starts to say but she trails off.

"You came to see Grace," Ronan finishes for her. He sounds hard and a bit cold when he says this. But unsurprised.

Raeyeda doesn't even look at him. She doesn't even nod as it has become her custom.

"All right," Ronan says, this time with resignation.

Raeyeda looks up and he is chewing his lower lip. "Come on in," he says, shifting his posture so as to allow her access into the room.

She follows her son-in-law and he shuts the door quietly behind them.

"She's probably still asleep. Best not to wake her up," he says, softly.

"I won't," she says, as she looks towards the crib containing a small sleeping bundle. She pads silently towards the crib and peers in. A small form lies there in sleep. Even at a few weeks of age, Grace has grown quite a bit in infancy.

Her skin is fair, almost as fair as her mother's. Her lips are a pale pink. Her head is already covered with a slight abundance of white-blonde hair. Her eyes are closed with long lashes brushing chubby childlike cheekbones. Her tiny hands are tucked underneath her cheek and Raeyeda can see the delicateness of her wrist.

Raeyeda says nothing as she looks at her granddaughter.

She's so beautiful, she thinks, wistfully and painfully.

Ronan is then beside the crib and the White Sorceress can see the coolness that she'd seen on him is different when he looks at Grace. There is affection, warmth and an undeniable love when he looks at the tiny infant.

He's a good man, Raeyeda thinks, as she watches him gazing at the babe. He's the kind of man that Naria needs. He's already a good husband. Doubtless that he will be a good father.

Ronan smiles at Grace when she moves her hand slightly but doesn't stir. Affection is clear as he looks at his newborn daughter.
Then he looks at Raeyeda and his expression changes, like a cool wind passing through a warm night.