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Click here"No." Thaden shook his head. "He's alive, I can feel it."
"Thaden..."
"No, Lierin!" Thaden pulled away from his brother, suddenly becoming furious at Lierin's attempt to change his mind. "Don't you understand? It's not just Rowan's life that is in danger right now."
Lierin narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Thaden sighed. "He's with child, Lierin. My child. I'm not just trying to save Rowan. I'm trying to save them both."
Lierin turned, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked up to the ceiling of the tent as though asking the Gods for guidance. "Thaden." He whispered as he shook his head, crestfallen.
"Don't treat me as though I'm some Ill-bred child." Thaden sneered. "I intend to take full responsibility for my actions. Can't you see that this is why I am so adamant about going on ahead? Rowan is mine to protect. This child is mine to protect. Would you do any less for those you love?"
Lierin turned and looked at his brother. He supposed that he had to accept that Thaden was a man now. A man with a family of his own. Try as he might though, Lierin couldn't help but still see him as the strong willed and happy youth that once ran through the streets of Rosegate, a wooden sword in hand, dreaming of the day when he might join his father and older brother in battle. Now that day had come and Lierin wished above all else that he could shield Thaden from the harsh realities of war.
"You've grown into a man that I can be proud of." Lierin told him. "All your life I've only wanted to protect you but, I see that it is time I let you live your own life, and do what you feel is right. It's time I let you go." He walked to Thaden and placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder, giving him a strained smile. "Go, find your mate. I won't stop you. But, promise me one thing before you go."
"What is that?" Thaden asked.
Lierin took in a deep breath as he looked at his younger brother. His face was stern and he spoke with conviction. "You have never been in a serious battle nor seen the horrors of war. Do not rush into battle foolishly. Promise me, if you have a chance to run, to save yourself, take it. You will be no good to your mate and child if you are dead."
Thaden nodded, then hugged his brother. "I promise." He told him. "I have no desire to leave my mate a widower."
"Good. Go on then, save your mate. When next we meet I expect a proper introduction to my future brother in law."
"Thank you, Brother." Thaden smiled and bowed before he and Tomag left the tent to retrieve their horses. Lierin waved them off then turned, walking back to the table in the center of the tent and seating himself behind it once more. He stroked his beard thoughtfully as he carefully weighed all of his options. Finally, he turned to Selanor who stood vigilantly behind him.
"Go and find Nasir." He ordered. "Tell him to ready the men. We ride out at first light."
- COMMENTS
Chancem776 months agoAuthorLove typically wins in my stories, yes. Oddly enough, I used to write mostly tragedies but after meeting my husband and learning what true love is, my writing had more HEA's. Thank you for the kind words, dnsontn, it is greatly appreciated. I'm working on the next chapter(s) now and should have it posted soon. Thanks again. ~Chance~
dnsontn6 months agoLort. Anonymous right below me is drunk and angry. S’ok buddy. Move along.
So much going on I don’t know what to start with other than…this is an amazing read!
You do write horror. That scene in the Queen’s chamber is beyond macabre.How apt, how apropo that she killed her own child, at her own hand, caused by the specters of other children she’d killed. Pity…
Is Nasir in love with Thaden?
I have so many theories but I will sit right here and wait for more.
Love wins, right?
Anonymous6 months agoThe bones of the story are good, but every character is such a stereotype x10. Going to give this story up now as the character development is just too ludicrous at this point.
They’re all just ridiculously dumb and naive, or ridiculously evil and over the top. You finally tried to add some layers to a few characters (like the captain), but that part of the story made no sense. They really went and interrogated every Fae? They didn’t kill any Shee? Didn't the queen order the captain to go kill all males?
Suddenly there’s an army in the way of one of the protagonists on a dumbass suicide mission?
