Iron of the Innocent: Mistress of Agony (Vol 2)

Chapter 29: Light's Embrace

274 I.C.
Sacren
Solorn Kingdom
Solorn Province
City of Clendon

Dreydan felt drowsy as he approached his parent's home, but snapped suddenly to the realization that it was no longer their place. Painful emotion swept over him, and he stopped walking. The grief bore down on him with power to suffocate. The dark windows greeted him with emptiness, and no fire burned in the hearth. No tea percolated in the kitchen, and the smell of sweet bread baking in the oven was nonexistent. Worst of all, the appearance of his father or Tabitha at the door ready to give him a hug would never be again. He would never see their smiles, hear their voices, or feel the love from their arms around him.

The biting sorrow pummeled him, and he stood frozen, unable to do anything. It came in waves, roaring and crashing for some time then receding and quieting. Looking up, Dreydan caught site of the shattered moon feeling connected to its many broken shards. Its light and state felt comforting for some reason, sharing in his bewilderment of circumstance. Drawing in deep breaths through his nose, he let them out through his mouth, fighting off the tight feeling in his chest as if he was not getting enough air. His breathing felt constricted by an unseen hand squeezing his insides. Long moments drifted by as he concentrated on breathing and pushing the intense feelings away, his misty eyes struggling to contain the emotions.

He recognized this house now belonged to him, but that brought him no comfort. There was no salve to soothe his sorrow. The inheritance he received included everything that belonged to his father including the house in Clendon. With Arathan's death, Dreydan became unexpectedly wealthy. He had no idea that his father's businesses and financial dealings were so vast. Arathan kept the information about the family's wealth a highly guarded secret, and he remembered his words.

"Never talk money, son. Not even with your family or closest friends." The voice of his father touched his mind.

Dreydan visited the highly regarded Shuntlon's Bank Trust & Vault in Clendon to get some money to pay for funeral expenses. When the blind associate opened the heavy, thick, vault door protecting the Ruins' wealth, Dreydan's mouth fell open. He was stunned. The attendant stood facing away from the door respectfully without expression.

The interior glimmered as the magical orbs slowly illuminated the depository. Walking inside, Dreydan looked on in disbelief at the stacks of platinum, gold, silver, copper, gems, books, scrolls, jewelry, armor, weapons, finery, and other items of value. The accumulated wealth of generations spread out before him.

Standing in the dark street, Dreydan noticed movement at the side of the house by a large tree in the yard. Perhaps the flutter of a cloak, or just his imagination steeped in anxiety over the unknown. He was not sure. The distraction brought a mild reprieve from the overwhelming rush of sadness. The soldier moved forward, each step difficult and taking effort. As he approached, a cloaked figure stepped from the shadows of the branches above.

"Hello?" Dreydan called lightly with his hand on his sword hilt.

An alleviated sigh met the soldier, and gloved hands lifted to pull back the person's cowl. Melerin stood lingering as Dreydan came to an uneasy halt finally recognizing him.

"Dreydan, I've been waiting," he said with obvious relief. "I'm so pleased to find you safe." The priest wore dark clothing, a leather belt, and traveling boots.

"And you," he said. After a few moments he continued, "Let's go inside."

Leading Melerin to the back of the house, the two entered the dwelling in the quiet of the night. Lighting a candle with a hot coal from the kitchen hearth, Dreydan put the candle on the table where his father and he shared their last meal. He waved Melerin to a seat and sat across from him. The small, flickering flame cast the shadows back, causing them to claw at the fringes of its touch.