Fall
Chapter 11

Piper

Time seemed to slow for a brief second, then plunge into a flurry of questions for Piper. Loy never had a fera? What was Floyd, then? Had he chosen to not have a fera? Piper had heard of those who decided to live in solitude—as she had for fifteen years before bonding to Reine—but the cases were few and far between.

Skye was the first to voice her thoughts. “That’s why Floyd didn’t go mad. He’s just… a normal ram.”

They stared at Floyd. He stared back with slit pupils, and bleated.

Impossible… Reine thought.

“Floyd was like a fera to Loy in every way.” Eliza put a hand on the bighorn sheep’s head. “Had him since he was a kid, and the thing followed Loy everywhere. Ate with him, slept on the rug, and roughly toilet trained. People assumed Loy had bonded to Floyd, and we never said anything otherwise.”

“Did Loy choose to stay unbonded?” Milla said.

“Life, no. He loved animals.” Nell’s voice grew husky. “His soul gem was shattered at birth.”

No! Piper gasped.

Reine gave a nervous growl.

Eliza’s gaze snapped to the window as a low pound of thunder hovered over the trees. “In the early days of Trene, our medical staff was not what it is now.”

Nell would not add to her daughter’s comment.

Clearing his throat, Atlas said, “Why did you let him go so easily, without the protection of a fera?”

“Do you think only a fera will protect you in this world? Look at mine,” Nell motioned to her shoulder, “what would she do in a fight against wolves? And that one,” she pointed to Chip on Finch’s lap. “Will it sing its opponents to sleep?”

Finch narrowed his eyes, and put his hands protectively around Chip.

“One can be versatile on their own,” Nell declared. “Just look at my son.”

Piper had a sudden burst of inspiration, and with a quick relay to Reine, said, “Fera have different strengths. Different strengths work best together. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found Milla, Atlas, and Skye.”

“Loy wouldn’t have made it to Elbe easily alone,” Finch added.

“And look where we are now.” Nell let the words sink into the air for a painful amount of time. Piper noticed her white hair was frizzing with the rising humidity. “What has Loy’s sacrifice gotten us?”

“The world does not owe you itself simply because Loy chose to do the right thing.” Atlas placed two sealed documents on the table. “Although we do respect and admire his actions that day for the North.”

Nell unraveled one, and nodded for Eliza to read the other. When they finished, they switched documents and continued. Reine intently watched the proceedings. Piper stared into the rain, basking in its peacefulness, until she heard the sound of paper flattening on the desk.

Flourishing a triumphant grin, Nell said, “I’m sorry, but I have a better offer.”

Kane

Kane was alone on the front porch stairs. Flint grazed on the lawn, occasionally lifting his head to ensure Kane was still physically in sight.

“I have a few concerns,” Kane had said to the king. They had been secluded in the throne room, with even the guards excused.

He had repeated the events of the Nora explosion, including the vitrum fingerprints.

King Asher had nodded with a visible lack of astonishment. “Very good. Did he say when he would discern the fingerprints’ owners?”

Kane had stiffened with anger. “I am no longer an Heir, my king. Plots such as these would be helpful to know.” He had taken the Nora coin from his pocket, and held it in the air. “I am not a victim, but a prince. The Prince of the North.” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

To this statement, King Asher had shown mild approval. “I will keep that in mind. Now with your pardon, Prince Kane, I have some border concerns to attend to.”

After Kane’s dismissal, he had received a messenger from Cooper asking to delay their meeting to the following afternoon. The inventor had apparently misplaced the notes regarding vitrum fingerprints.

What an incredible gift, vitrum. Flint chewed his cud thoughtfully. It grows from the earth, and then can be pressed to make a scythe to reap the next generation. What did humans do before its domestication?

My father would know, and my mother. It wasn’t too long ago that aleas and disks were first made. Kane picked at a hangnail anchored deep in his thumb, wincing at the pain. They say before Cooper’s teacher, Rocco Morris, vitrum was used only for healing.

Flint continued to graze. You have never asked them about vitrum before?

I… Kane looked up. No.

The deer snorted in amusement.

Don’t judge me, Kane said.

I would never.

That better not be sarcasm, Kane grumbled.

He was startled as a soft nose bumped against his hand. Arlo nuzzled him again, then hopped onto his lap. Kit settled on the stair beside him.

“So I’ve been thinking about some things,” she said.

Kane nodded in mute surprise. His sister had been quiet in the time following Atlas’s leaving, hidden away in her room or listlessly wandering the path from their house to the main city. To see her now, returned to a state of subdued optimism, evoked Kane’s curiosity.

“What things?” he asked.

“I’m going to join the Council.” Kit let Arlo return to her.

“What?” Kane echoed. “How? Why?”

“You’re starting to sound like Mom.” Kit fiddled with a strand of her hair. It shimmered in the sun like gold. “When we were in Esme during the battle, Lady Audrey said she was looking for an apprentice to take her place at Oldport. She said she would pay for my continued schooling. House me, feed me, and sponsor anything I need. I said no at first. My home is in Elbe.”

“What—“ Kane began.

“And I still think my heart is in the city. But…” Kit sighed. “I see Dad, and Piper, and Skye—and even you, Kane—having these fantastic adventures and telling great tales. I want to have stories to tell. I want to live, and be remembered.” She waited for his reaction.

“This is your solution?” Kane finally managed to say. What happened to watching his back? Staying together as a family?

“I have to start somewhere new. A clean slate.” Kit clapped her hands, as if clearing them of dust.

“I’ll never see you,” Kane argued. He felt Flint in the background of his mind, trying to work out a measured response before sorrow set in.

“Yes. I have holiday breaks, a summer break, and will come for every Council meeting in Elbe.”

“Then I will call one every day, so you can’t leave!” Kane stood.

“You can’t do that.” Kit’s voice was low.

“Watch me.” Kane turned on his heel, and marched to the door. He went through the kitchen, up the stairs, and to his room. And slammed the door.

Then embarrassment set in. Flint was still outside, in front of Kit.

Thanks for waiting, the deer said coolly. He strode purposely past Kane’s sister and into the house.

Kane sat on his bed for what seemed like an eternity, stewing over his situation. Gradually, a ray of sunlight broke through his fog of thoughts. A memory he forgot to tell King Asher.

Life! Kane was back on his feet, spooking Flint. We need to tell the king about Queen Celia!

Or the absence of Queen Celia, Flint thought grimly.

Quickly skimming his shelves, Kane pulled the book that first came to mind, and raced out of his room with Flint on his heels.

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