Serev's Story

Chapter 8

Tad sat outside an office that Prince Fehrys had told them belonged to his brother Jondure with Flewin and Serev and Fehrys himself. Prince Jondure was evidently in charge of the intelligence of Vyscher, which was a fancy way of saying he was a spy. But Fehrys said that Jondure was also always interested in learning about other lands, and at a minimum the three newcomers could provide some of that. He didn't know what else he could tell them, really. Jondure's assistant, Lamble, had greeted them when they arrived, then had gone into the office to announce them, but hadn't come back yet.

"Do you think it will be much longer?" Tad asked in a whisper.

"Jondure is very punctual, I'm sure he'll be ready for us soon." The Prince answered, "Have you thought about if you'd like to stay here in Vyscher?"

The two women looked at Tad, they seemed to be of like mind already. "I don't know what I could offer sir, but I'm not sure how I'd get home either. So, what else can I do?" he hung his head sadly. In truth, he didn't know why anyone would want him to stay. He truly felt a brotherly attachment to both Flewin and Serev, but they didn't really need him to make a life here. Serev would adapt to anything, as her rescuing the prisoners showed, and Flewin would follow her wherever she went.

"Tad, the Captain kept you for a reason, he knew you were intelligent and good with numbers, you would be an asset here." Serev said in a matter-of-fact way.

"Besides, you can't leave us here alone!" Flewin chimed in.

"And Tad, I saw you in the battle. Even in the cage you helped, I know you're good in a pinch. A man like you could do well here." Fehrys added. "I'll even help get you set up, there was quite a bit of gold on that ship that should go to you three as compensation for what they put you through." Fehrys had a hard time understanding the depravity shown by the pirates in the story the three had told of their arrival on the ship.

"That would help quite a bit Prince Fehrys." Serev said, "Thank you for your generosity."

"Just Fehrys, please. And you're quite welcome, I do think the three of you will be happy here."

"Prince Fehrys," Flewin said, ignoring his request, "What will happen to Carys?"

"I'm not too sure." He admitted, "Her parents were killed when she was kidnapped, so we'll see if she has any relatives that can take her in. If not, we usually find people to take in orphans so that they have a good home. Right now, she is with my sister, Princess Ravinia, who will help look for relatives."

"Could we take care of her?" asked Serev in a hopeful voice. Tad happened to agree, she had fit in well with their little group, and he had instantly liked her.

"Do you really want to raise a child? You're going to be pretty busy getting settled here." The Prince said with surprise in his voice.

"We've all been through what she went through, she is going to be hurting, scared, she may have trust issues for a long time." Serev said softly, "We can help her with that. We're a unique family I think, and I for one could use another someone who promises hope in my life." She reached out and took Tad and Flewin's hands. Tad squeezed her hand in response, she really made a good point. He remembered Serev arriving at the camp near the ship at the head of the group of rescued citizens, hand in hand with little Carys, and how Carys refused to be separated from her the whole flight back on the ship.

Prince Fehrys was quiet for a moment, thinking. "I'll tell you what, if she has no relatives, we'll see if she would like to join with you. I'll also see to it that we find you a place to live, even if it is in the guest quarters here until we get you something built. I really think you're exactly the kind of people Vyscher needs more of, and I hope you choose to stay."