The Forgotten Crown (2019) Book 1 of The Broken Crown Series

39. Departed

Morning came swiftly as mornings do and it found Thor Grinds occupants in disarray. Breakfast was a surly affair filled with much griping of headaches, bruised feelings and the toll of many weary days of travel. All seemed affected but for Garen and Beatrice, both sat sleepy but content; neither having gotten much rest, still basking in the euphoria of each other's company.

The circle of friends watched each other awkwardly as Sirena and Donovan remained overly polite with one another, abandoning all ease of familiarity. Jarsha and Letty had remained cool towards each other since his outburst by the riverside. When Brie approached, the table was cleared faster than previously thought possible. She called after Lord Fox and pleaded with him for a moment's time. Her grey eyes were large and tearful, so reluctantly he allowed her a word.

Sirena sat in counsel with Feldin, Garen and Jarsha for a goodly part of the morning before Donovan rejoined them. His scowl entered the room like an unwelcome guest.

"Something displeases you, Lord Fox?" Feldin queried.

"Forgive me, your highness; it is but a trivial concern." He settled swiftly among them and they fell to discussing strategy. "My latest reports indicate border Lords holding on the Northern edge of the highlands."

"Aye, they are hemmed in by the Tivste on the fore and the Svelt on the rear. They cannae leave but neither do they give ground. It has become a safe haven for rebels."

"If we can get word to them that a Mondragon yet lives, I believe they will forge through and leave their roost to do battle."

"You must win back Cǽɍnon first."

"The castle is abandoned but the city still runs rampant with soldiers."

"Aye, but it will be a rallying point. Win back the capitol and you win back your people."

"I will send a contingent with you. I lend you my warriors on good faith Sirena, we shall strike an accord you and I."

"I would be forever indebted, your highness. I will honor any agreement made between us, so far as I am able."

"I do not yet ask for much. I wish our kingdoms to build up an alliance once more, to bring others to the cause."

Sirena was fervent in her desire and it was evident. They took lunch in the King's chambers, discussing the state of the realm and all that it had once been and would be again. Donovan shocked her midway through lunch, whilst the gathered reminisced, by very suddenly grabbing her hand. He held it a moment and gave it a tight squeeze before resuming his meal as if nothing had happened. She very nearly choked on a rather tasty blackberry tart and gave him a long look.

The week flew by and the guests finally found themselves well rested and well fed. Sirena resumed sparring with Jarsha and the sword master of Thor Grind, even battling multiple opponents at once. Garen and Beatrice became nearly inseparable and Syrus had more than his fill of playmates. The time came when they knew a departure was inevitable. A small scouting contingent was to accompany them to Draesia, a larger host to follow upon completion of their journey. On the eve of their departure Sirena came upon a tearful embrace and she waited quietly in the shadows for her friend.

"You do not wish to stay with him?"

"Oh Si, my place is with you." Beatrice hugged her reassuringly. "While I will miss him terribly I know this is not goodbye. I will see him again, he plans to lead the first raiding party."

They set out with the early sun on the horizon, well provisioned after an affectionate and heartwarming goodbye. The party now traveled with four new companions and so introductions were made and stories shared as they traveled at an easy pace.