Fathomless Fortunes [slash]

Chapter 17 - Thicker than Water

"By the Sea Goddess, this can't be!" Brigid got on her tiptoes to hold her candle in front of Alastair's face. A big, almost toothless smile found its way on the wrinkled face. "My two little fire-heads, all grown-up! I never thought I'd see you again." She raised her hand to touch Alastair's cheek. The feeling of her calloused fingers on his skin was so familiar that all the years seemed to fall away. He was seven years old again, and the world was still whole.

"Look at you, just like your mother! Where have you been all the time? And what are you doing here now?"

"I'm so sorry, but it's a very long story, and we don't have much time. We're here to fetch something. We need to get into the governor's study." Evangielle pulled at Brigid's arm holding the candle. Brigid let go of Alastair.

"Please, for old time's sake." Evangielle held onto her, eyes big and pleading. She had always looked at Brigid like this as a child and never failed to soften the old heart. "Will you help us? We don't want any trouble."

Brigid frowned. "What is it that you want?"

"The pendant of the High Kings," Alastair found his voice again. "It's our birthright. We don't want it lost in the new governor's plans for the castle."

Brigid's eyes narrowed. "I know you have a right to that pendant, Alastair. But you could have asked your brother for it. Master Ashland..."

"We can't ask him," Alastair interrupted. "We're not welcome in this household - or anywhere among civilized people."

Brigid squinted at him. "You know, I've heard stories about a Caeran pirate captain and his red-headed sister feeding the poor. My own cousin and her family regularly get some food from those secret deliveries. Her grandchildren would have starved to death long ago if she wasn't getting those supplies. I never thought... but it's been you two all this time."

"Yes. And now it's us needing help," Alastair replied. "Just this once, Brigid."

Time stood still for a moment as Alastair held Brigid's gaze. Dust flakes danced in the dim light.

Brigid smiled again, and Alastair realized he had been holding his breath. "Alright. I couldn't care less about the new governor. Just make sure to take good care of the High King's pendant. There's not much left of the old days."

Evangielle bent down to kiss the wrinkled cheek. "Thank you. We will use it to change some things, I promise."

Brigid held up her candle again and illuminated the bookshelf. In its light, Alastair immediately saw the book he had been looking for. He reached for it and pulled it halfway out. With a creak, the bookshelf swung forward a few inches like a door. Nicolas pushed it further open until a narrow, dusty staircase became visible.

"Be careful. I'm not sure if anyone is up there. And if you came through that old passageway through the wine cellar, you should take another way out. This moment, the new governor's vine collection is being delivered." Brigid reached out to take Evangielle's hand, then Alastair's for a moment and squeezed it. Her wiry hand was still suprisingly strong. "The blessing of the Sea Goddess to you, my little fire-heads. One day, you have to come back here and tell me of your adventures. And show those Albians that we're not beaten yet!"

She looked at Nicolas, whom she had ignored all this time, and just nodded. As quick as her old, crooked frame allowed, she was gone.

Alastair took a few deep breaths as he watched the light of her candle float away and then vanish as the library door was closed.

"Let's go," Evangielle said softly. She quickly lit her lantern and handed it to Alastair.

The warm flame reflected in her eyes, alive and determined.