The Call of Nys #5 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

38 - W A V E R L Y

The inside of HalfHyde's quarters was unbelievable.

If she had thought the Master House was impressive, she was wrong. From furniture to general decor, architectural brilliance, and space, everything appeared too perfect to be real.

Waverly gaped at one thing to another, unable to voice a compliment as none seemed befitting enough. Being inside the beautiful, well spaced room only proved her father's worth had finally been recognized. She covered her mouth with both hands, growing misty eyed.

HalfHyde came to grip her shoulders, smiling. "Ye must not feel overwhelmed by any of what beautifies tis place. None be intended for permanence."

She removed her hand to speak, her breath quivering. "It doesn't change the fact that you earned all of it. I am proud of you, Pa!"

The Half-Elf chuckled, a sign that he was flattered. "It be the words of praise uttered from ye that I believe in the most. Every other seems a mockery or overstated."

"Have you lived here since you left the Grand Ale?" Judson thought, inspecting a potted plant set atop stylish upholstery.

"Aye, since the time." HalfHyde took Waverly's hand and led her to sit in a single chair. "Tis be but one of a number in the same level."

Albeit witnessing the general standard of living back in the Grand Ale, Waverly never really thought that the King's Lords shared a particular building and were residing in different quarters within. She had always assumed a single courtier lived in a separate house.

She accepted the steaming teacup her father handed to her as sat on the armrest and put an arm over her shoulder.

"It be something of a fortnight or more to reach the Lower South from here. Ye will have need for another horse. If travel be made by foot, ye will arrive far later."

"That is partly the reason we came to you first, HalfHyde." Judson disclosed. "Not only do we need another horse, but a seal as well to cross the bridge of Bridge with."

Waverly narrowed her eyes at him, realizing he had since intended to visit HalfHyde. For some reason, she found it impressive that he planned ahead of things.

She looked up at her father when he took her hand. His eyes were clouding.

"I still fear that my eyes deceive me. I am yet to accept that ye sits by my side. What if ye tarry a few days with me first?"

She turned to Judson, who looked just as conflicted as she did. In truth, she wanted very much to stay a while. She had missed her father dearly. But some things were urgent and needed attention before they got out of hand.

Judson came forward. "I understand you want to compensate for the time lost, and I would not hesitate to leave her with you had the case been any different, but we have to leave, HalfHyde. The witch cannot be given allowances else she attempt something unspeakable."

His words seemed to be floating midair because for the first time, Waverly sensed that her father was not listening to reason.

She put the teacup down and tightened her grip on his hand, looking into his dark eyes. In them was a lot of sadness.

"I promise to return at once, Pa. I want more than anything to stay with you, but this is important. She seeks me out and intends to trap me again."

At that, HalfHyde's sentiment washed off. His features sterned, retur YYning him to his usual demeanour. He guided her to rise and stand before him.

"A foolish thing it would be to pay no ear to caution. My meeting with the King be hereby postponed."

He heaved a sigh, rubbing down her arms with fatherly affection in his stare. "Ye has done me proud, Waverly. There be much we should discuss when ye returns and much I intend for ye to hear. But ye must set off right away."