A Court of Heritance and Destiny

Chapter 3 Etera

How many times had she stared at that map? How many hours of her life since coming here had been spent trying to plan some mission route? Too fucking many. Etera rolled her shoulders, midnight had long passed by, Ikarad was stuck with some novices in the mountains. And she was here.

Her annual round among the courts was planned and ready, this time information about Dorothea was high on the list of things she needed to know. Almost a year, but with her current track record, she needed twenty to find someone. Slowly she sat down, giving in to her body's need to rest. Her back itched, the last months of work had made her skip the routine to keep it in check.

I can feel you. Ikarad said down the bond. Need me to come home?

No... She massaged her temples, I will never find peace until we have all the answers. A fact. She had believed that she could do it once Amaya was back home, then she justified her restlessness with the fact that she was away with Orion, and now it was the fact that Doroteha still was missing. That final part of this puzzle.

I know, love. Ikarads gentle touch down the bond gave her a moment to relax. Go home and sleep, I will be back in two days.

I can't sleep.

Then go home and read a book. She could see him smile. Go home, leave the office.

How are the Novices?

They are not a fan of survival stew. Came in return.

Told you so. She looked up, for real?

Good, all five are ready for the Rite, and have good chances of surviving.

Even a climb? Etera got up, talking about Ikarads tasks did help her to drop her own.

No, one might reach the mountain, but I doubt it. She shifted to her owl, and silently flew off in the night.

Few do. To this day, around twenty five, out of which only seven were alive today. Six of those had reached the summit. Nestas determination to save her friends had hindered her from that final title. Not that she cared.

Amaya is making good progress. Ikarad changed the topic. Have you seen anything?

Nyx always tells me to leave when I come by to look.

To spy. Ikarad added just as she landed in their home.

To look. She defended. To see how she is handling training.

Just give her a week with Nyx, and then she will come running for someone who is less strict.

And that would be me? Addicted to work, and who is the least appropriate person for her to train with. She placed her hands behind her head. No, she will try to find Orion.

He is back in Hewn.

I know. She had tried to convince him to stay. But the night after Amaya came here he left, no, fleed. Claiming that he missed the apartment he had there. Over six months alone in the mountains... Their scents were not too mixed, maybe a bit more than what was expected from two persons only sharing the same living space, but something had changed between them. Feelings can exist without a bond.

She will not be travelling there for a few years, dad won't allow it.

Not to be the boring one, but I think Rhys has little to say about Amayas life right now. He could try, but she would stand in his way.

She would be eaten whole there. Etera grinned before answering.

They could try. I think your sister is stronger than you think.