Stormlands ( Book 2 of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Forty-Five: Word Games

Katerin listened to Fykes' and her friends insistence that she should wait to pursue Mordai and whatever chaos might have been happening in Hearth-Home. She spent her days readjusting to life at the manor, and life as a lady. Imeiza had missed her, such a notion made obvious by her Stepmothers insistence to have tea together at least once a day.

After a particularly long day of work, Katerin yawned, and looked out across the darkened sky. She knew that her manor would be rather empty, as Jon, Fykes, and Brazen had all gone hunting and wouldn't be back for at least another day or two, and Imeiza was likely at the inn gambling with Donovar. As Katerin opened the door, Pilard gave her a slight nod, as she swept the hearth one last time before retiring for the night.

Katerin changed into much more comfortable clothes with a sigh, and made her way to the lounge where she poured herself a glass of wine, before traveling the short distance to the patio beyond the kitchen. There was a time she would have worried over Fykes, Jon and Brazen. But they hunted every chance they got, and fear no longer gripped her at the thought of them in the wilderness. In fact, she was excited for Brazen. He was, after all, seeing the world through new eyes. She breathed in deeply, and let herself enjoy the beauty of the home she had missed so deeply. The moonlight glinted off the now completed fountain, the gardens that were barren in preparation for the winter season, and across the barn and pastures beyond.

Off in the distance, near the wall that separated Katerin's land from the wilderness of Itrea, she caught the slightest hint of movement, a play of light and shadow in the night. Curiosity overtook her, and before she could caution herself, her slippered feet carried her out across the land. Within moments her robe grew damp as the dew gathered when she walked past the end of the path.

As she crested a final small hill, she saw a fire burning low, around it two figures sat. As she approached, Trunk, Auglier, and his bear companion Kura turned to regard her.

"You know there's a hearth, and a kitchen full of food not that far from here," she said, smiling across the group. She was surprised at their presence, but not at the fact that they shared a fire. She could not think of anyone better suited for company than Auglier and Trunk. Both were quiet, peaceful souls, who delighted in life and nature as it should be.

Auglier nodded to her, and the bear beside him gave a low chirp of a growl, in welcome.

"There is plenty, my friend." Trunk smiled and gestured her to join them.

"I see you found my home." Katerin sat cross legged near the fire. "It's good to see you."

"How is Brazen?"

"He's... adjusting. Slowly. Off hunting, tonight."

"It is a blessing, that he returned to you," Auglier said, in his deep and rumbling tone.

There was a soft sound, and a tall figured jumped the wall in a single stride, his movements easy and sure. Katerin blinked her surprise away.

"Did you at least bring some alcohol?" Juen'tal asked.

He looked at ease, and almost relaxed, wearing simple attire, and no weapons. He looked as though he was another man, from the one she had met in Byron's manor.

"Did you bother to tell me you were coming to visit?" Katerin said it playfully, and held out her glass of wine to him.

"We weren't." Juen'tal took the glass with a judgmental look, but he took a sip and did not offer her the glass back.

"The term you're looking for is trespassing," she said, smiling as Kura lumbered over and nuzzled her shoulder. "Regardless, I'm glad you're here... the house was too quiet."