The Red Day

III.

Siobahn had scrounged up enough space in the tavern and her connecting residence for herself, Ren, and the two men for the night. She left the town drunk right where he was. The winds had been especially rough during the night, but the white noise of the pounding sands had lulled Ren quickly to sleep. She had shared Siobahn's bed, and noted the sword stacked against the wall next to Siobahn's pillow before passing out.

By first light, the other side of the bed was empty, and Ren felt extra alone. She took some moments to adjust to the day, the events of yesterday feeling like a lost dream. Ren gathered up her linen and took to the washroom, before making her way back out to the tavern.

Siobahn and the two men were already up. Ren recalled that the Godsmith had finally introduced himself as Danver Cask the night before. It felt nice to put a name to his face. Friedla was also here, and rushed over to Ren, checking her over. "Oh, Renua, I was so worried when you didn't turn in for the storm. I'm glad to see you're safe."

Ren flinched at the use of her full name, and if that wasn't bad enough, Danver the Godsmith piped up, "Renua? Did you know that is the name of one of the daughters of Our Goddess, M'kaia?"

Ren hated her full name, for reasons she couldn't quite place or say, so instead, she tried to muster up a face of neutrality as she responded, "I wouldn't know."

Danver was no longer donning his cloak, revealing a black button down and black trousers. The unmistakable crest of the Godsmiths gleaned between the open space between his collar. A seven pointed star with the eye of a hawk nestled inside. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his forearms. He was more muscular than Ren initially perceived.

Siobahn had offered breakfast. Breads, meats, and cheeses. During the harsh spring and summer, imports were few and far between for any fruits or vegetation. The residents of Tenb'ir would all come together during the early days of autumn. For days, everyone would dance and share in the bountiful stock. Kallen would spend hours trying to find the ripest and sweetest melon for Ren. She had always noticed that he seemed extra cold during these joyous days, but always made sure her happiness came first. She didn't know how she would be able to handle the change in seasons with him gone. If Tenb'ir would have anything to celebrate at all. She shook away the thought as she finished her meal. Dangerous thoughts only lead to dangerous days.

She assisted Siobahn in cleaning up after her and the men. It was the least she could do after she was such a gracious host. The older barkeep was a mystery. She had lived in Tenb'ir as long as Ren could remember, but her pale complexion and light-colored eyes told a different story. Of a land far from the sea of sands. Ren was thankful she was here. Thankful for all of Tenb'ir for taking her in after she was left here as a kid. Barely old enough to walk. Barely old enough to remember who her parents were or even what they looked that. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Ren was a child of Tenb'ir. As was Kallen.

Ren didn't dwell on the word abandoned. She liked to think she was found.

"So, Ren," Danver addressed her, breaking her out of the downward spiral her mind was surely headed. "Festis and I have a proposition for you."

The two older women appeared to be listening intently. Ren gazed back at the Godsmith, a question in her eyes.

"We—well, mostly I—firmly believe you are the reason we were sent here," he said to her. Festis only grumbled from his chair.

"Me?"

"Yes. We believe it has something to do with your Kallen," he continued. "We want you to come with us."

Ren took a swig of water from her mug. "Come with you where?"

"To reclaim him, of course."

She nearly choked. Siobahn piped up, "Did you not hear me when I said he was captured? By the King's daughter, no less."