Throughout the next month, Bryn stayed by Dyla's side eyeing anyone when approached the babies with the dangerous eyes of a bear. However, soon the urge to roam grew strong and he left. Dyla, to everyone's surprise, was okay with his leaving. He returned a week later with a middle aged woman who immediately went to work helping with the children.

The Bear came and went over the next months until winter had its hold again. It was a terrible winter. Snow blew in for days and nights leaving the inhabitants snowed in. But the manor was warm, it's central fire burning brightly through their large stores of wood.

Fenrin and Lyra grew. Fenrin had dark brown hair which Dyla explained was her father's. Lyra had the same pale blonde as her parents. Her eyes were piercing green and Fenrin's were grey, flecked with dark brown. When winter finally ended and the last of the snow melted away, the twins were five months old.

With the last thaw, Bryn told Dyla he was leaving. "You cannot leave the children. But I have to go."

"I know."

They kissed long and hard. Bryn left and did not return until fall.

He arrived two days before the twin's birthday. They eyed him suspiciously, but he won them over with berries, fruits, and wide river rocks.

The Bear had been home three weeks when Captain Tyrik Hurson arrived.

The Jarl, seeing a chance to get back in good graces with Bryn and maybe sweep any lingering false suspicions, sent a messenger to Bryn’s estate.

Neighbor, my friend's relative is here. He will probably want you to come to dinner.

Bryn sent Dyla.

Captain Tyrik was a handsome, rugged man with thick light brown hair and a trim beard. Jarl Soren, Harold, Dyla, and Tyrik made up the dining party. The Jarl's wife had excused herself, feigning illness. She never could face Dyla or Bryn without losing control.

The dinner began with the Jarl inquiring about all the people in the capital he knew, asking about the other Jarls Tyrik had visited, and then a toast to the High King's health. Gradually, Jarl Soren ran out of questions and Tyrik took the floor.

"I apologize again for having to delay my visit. That last winter came swift and hard. That in addition to my necessary return to the capitol made me break my promise, something I take quite seriously."

"Well, not much changes down here, now or months ago, things would be the same. The only big news was the amount of snow which I'm sure you saw plenty of," Jarl Soren said amicably.

Tyrik's eyes roamed to Dyla. "I don't know about that. That new estate is finishing up now, isn't it? Lady, I'm afraid I did not catch your name."

Dyla dabbed her lips and gave a nod. "Dyla. And yes, the estate is coming along nicely despite the weather delay, we are set to wrap up by next summer. I'm flattered that you noticed."

Captain Hurson reached for a goblet and eyed the purple liquid inside. "It is an impressive estate. Larger than the good Jarl’s here I wager." He took a long drink, eyeing Dyla over the rim.

She merely nodded. "Yes, it was a long time dream of Bryn's. The Jarl was kind enough to sell us the land."

Harold flinched and Tyrik's sharp eyes flicked over to him. "Something wrong young master Harold?"

Stabbing a piece of meat with his fork, Harold did his best to play it off. "I liked it better when I could swim in the river."

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"Ah, the estate took away your playspot. What a shame."

Harold shrugged. "It's fine. Their garden is nice." Now the Jarl's hand slipped and Tyrik's dark eyes turned to him.

He coughed. "I was unaware you had been to the gardens, son. Now when would you have had the time? During lessons perhaps?" He raised an eyebrow at Harold who caught on and looked dutifully ashamed.

Dyla tried not to laugh. Now she knew why Bryn had sent her. This toying of words would have had him hacking the table in two.

Tyrik turned back to Dyla. "And what is it your husband does, Lady Dyla?"

"Hunts mainly. He trades a bit too. He inherited quite a collection from my father and having traveled much of Valhym, made a good profit off it. He's a wanderer at heart."

"A wanderer who spends his fortune on a home?"

"Indeed." She sipped her drink letting her offense drift across the table.

"I apologize, my lady, I meant no offense. It just seems a curious action for a man who made his fortune travelling."

"I accept your apology, although perhaps you'll understand better when the Jarl offers his. He has done me a great injustice."

Tyrik's eyebrows raised and he turned to the Jarl who sputtered. Dyla calmly continued as she sliced her meat, "Yes, he rudely said not much had changed when Bryn and I have in fact been gifted with two beautiful children during that long winter."

The captain turned back and the Jarl wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead. "Indeed," the captain nodded, "that does explain things quite nicely. Twins, I take it?"

"A boy and a girl."

"Quite a lucky winter."

The conversation died down and the servants brought out their dessert, an ornate fruit tray with creams and small cakes.

Dyla popped a strawberry slice in her mouth and finishing it, asked, "How long will you be staying in Hjor, Captain?"

Tyrik spooned cream onto a cake and then the utensil in the air. "Ah, I do not have a set schedule as of yet. Maybe a few days, maybe a few weeks."

"Do you not have a wife waiting for you?"

"No lady, I am not, as of yet, married."

"Well that is a surprise. I'm sorry to say even with your good looks, there are no ladies here in Hjor for you."

"That is alright, I am not here to find a wife."

"Of course, you are here to..?"

"Inspect and protect, Lady Dyla, that is my function."

"Ah." She stabbed another strawberry and spun it, admiring the red fruit. "But are not our roads in more need of protecting than our towns?" She placed her fork and strawberry onto the plate. "I apologize, Captain, that was not my place. The bitterness of a caravaneer's daughter, I suppose. Now if you'll excuse me, I miss my children."

They stood and bowed as she left. Not seeing her sly smile.

Back at the estate, Dyla related the tale to Bryn who gave his deep laugh.

"Well played, my woman. My habits, my estate, and even my dislike of the government all neatly explained in a normal boring tale."

Dyla smiled satisfied. She leaned over and caught Lyra as she lost her balance walking along the edge of the bed. She heaved the little girl up and began combing her hair. Fenrin was playing on the floor, stacking river rocks.

"He will visit you," Dyla said and Bryn nodded.

And he did. Four days later there was a sharp rap on the estate door and Ulris answered. He led Captain Tyrik to Bryn's study and announced him.

"Captain Tyrik Hurson, sir."

Bryn turned and saw the surprised look on the Captain's face before he could hide it. There were few who could look at Bryn without a reaction. He stood, towering over Tyrik and shook his hand, "Ah yes, Captain. Welcome to my home."

"Thank you. I felt I should come introduce myself before my departure tomorrow."

"Leaving before the snow starts, smart man."

"Yes, I also wanted to congratulate you on—"

As if on cue, Fenrin came crawling into the office and Bryn leaned down scooping him up. "Little pup won't stay put. Just like his father. Yes, thank you Captain I can guess what your well wishes were for." He winked and watched as Fenrin played with the fur on his collar.

The air grew awkward as the captain imposed on the man with his son. He coughed. "Indeed. Well a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise." Bryn reached out and shook the captain's hand, the military glove practically disappearing in his large fist. With that, Tyrik turned and marched out.

Bryn raised Fenrin the air who giggled. "Smooth as your mother, you are."