Stormlands ( Book 2 of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Suitable Simmer

Graiden was relieved to be back home. O'siaris had remained mostly untouched by the war, and he thanked his god every night for that. Even their food harvests would be alright. Tight, of course, but no one would starve thanks to the generous magically enhanced touch of a few celebrating Uhma'zarhin's.

The town was overflowing with soldiers, and it could barely contain all the Sahn-Raidar men who awaited their turn to go home. The organizing of which was a logistical nightmare, and poor Typhon had been sleeping less than an elf, to keep the teleportation circle running, and usher each group through.

Mordai had been an amazing help when it came right down to it. While Graiden was away he had worked tirelessly with the town council to keep things going smoothly, and keep every ledger on track. He had a superb head for numbers and a way with people that Graiden seldom saw. As he thought of his blessing of an assistant, he wondered if all the people that Katerin knew were so gifted, as she seemed to attract rather brilliant individuals. He had sent Mordai away for the night, though he wished he was a crueler boss, as he glanced to the piles of disorganized parchment about his desk.

As much as he might loathe the work ahead of him, his small and disorganized office was a welcome sight. Being away for so long had given him a touch of reverence for the quiet, brain-melting job he now worked. He sank back in his chair with a contented sigh, and listened for a minute to the many booted steps echoing like thunder below him. So many soldiers finding their quarters, questioning their superiors, and walking off the excitement they all still felt.

The victory had left them all with extra energy, and he only wished he had something to do with it. When he opened his eyes, a wild haired gnome sat in the chair across from him, a pipe sticking out between his teeth.

"Do I have to return with the troops?" Donovar asked, blowing a smoke ring that changed colors and shapes as It shifted through the room.

"I don't see why, unless you want to. We all appreciate the help you offered."

Donovar grinned, his eyes looking forever tired, and tinged with red. "I didn't fight a lick. But I'm glad I could assist." He shrugged. "I would like to wait for Fykes' return. And Katerin told me I could stay in their manor."

Graiden's gaze narrowed, but he saw no hint of deceit or mischief in the gnomes eyes. "Well, that's her business. If you need work, talk with Typhon. I'm sure he and Wiggus could you someone of your caliber."

Donovar let out a shrill laugh. "I am not here to work. It's vacation."

Graiden shook his head. And he wondered what could have possessed Katerin to allow the Gnome to stay in her home. If anything could tarnish a good reputation, Donovar could do it twice as quick. "Speak to Zino about the manor, if you must stay there. And Donovar?"

The gnome raised one wild eyebrow and puffed on his pipe.

"Stay out of trouble."

Donovar offered a toothy grin. "I won't be to blame for any trouble."

Graiden squinted at his wording but before he could say more, the gnome tossed out a wave, and sauntered out the door.

Graiden returned to his paperwork with a shake of his head, replying to every letter he could reach, tally costs of a dozen lists of things, and any other task that was before him. As the sun faded from his window and the sky grew dark, he sighed. "Just get out of here, already."

Lugaria appeared from the wall, and regarded him with one eyebrow raised. "You don't look anywhere near finished for the night."

"Go. If anyone tries to kill me now, I'd gladly accept the challenge to escape this."