Dyla stayed stone faced as Bryn roared at his men. A week had passed since Lyra was due back and Bryn's patrols had turned up nothing. Bryn suspected his daughter had gone to Taka, but he couldn't expect his scout back from there for at least another day.

It had been a strained year for Dyla's family. Fenrin seemed to be distancing himself from his father, turning more towards the friends he had made among his Bryn’s men. Bryn had become even more stern and ill tempered. Dyla knew it was because he was experiencing something he had never before. Doubt. Doubt that he had made the right call with Lyra.

It also didn't help that Bryn's men had become so numerous, they were becoming hard to handle. It seemed every month, Bryn was chopping a subordinate in half for disobeying rules or acting without orders. Dyla and Bryn traveled the ever increasing border of Bryn's influence and despite the wealth and manpower he gained, Bryn seemed less happy than before.

As Bryn finished tossing his unfruitful scouts out, he lumbered over and Dyla took his arm as he grumbled, "Useless, the lot of them."

Dyla waited a moment and when she was sure his tirade was truly over, she said, "They don't know her and what she's capable of." Bryn grunted and Dyla continued, "Perhaps, my lord, you should send Fenrin after her."

A low growl escaped the Bear but Dyla could tell he was thinking about it. She knew that he was afraid Fenrin would leave too, although he'd never admit it. But Dyla and Bryn both knew that, besides Bryn himself, the person with the best chance of tracking down Lyra was her twin brother.

Not only did Fenrin know his sister's abilities and temperament, but he was especially talented at finding people. He also was a natural leader, his abilities quickly earning other’s respect. Fenrin the Wolf was the name he'd earned among the men and Dyla was sure he'd be able to sniff out his sister no matter where she’d hidden herself.

So, Dyla watched the thoughts race through Bryn's eyes and helped him walk through them. "What do you plan to do with Lyra when you bring her back?"

She knew Bryn would give a different answer depending on who was in the room, so she had waited until they were alone. Bryn muttered and finally said, "See what she's learned."

"And then?"

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Put her to work. She wanted to work, well, if she's learned enough then she'll do it."

Dyla nodded but her mouth frowned. They both knew it was unlikely Lyra would willingly accept a place under Bryn. Not without an apology and that was as likely as the sun falling from the sky.

"If your men cannot retrieve her, perhaps at least carry a message?"

Bryn tore away. "She has no choice. She will come back."

"My lord, I believe you are the only one who can make her do anything. But send Fenrin with a warning first. At the very least, he'll create the path to her."

"If they can't find her in Taka, then maybe."

Dyla nodded and took her victory.

The next day, Fenrin listened as the scout from Taka gave the Bear his report.

"They told us everything they knew. Said, she'd told them to. Jod and Frin went west on that lead and Benno is keeping an eye on the city, but there's still no trace of your daughter."

Fenrin had to respect the fact that the man gave this disappointing report without showing any fear. Even from his place, leaning against a back doorway, Fenrin could tell Bryn was working up into a rage. To everyone's surprise, Bryn spoke steadily, if not calmly, "Very well. You are dismissed." The man bowed hastily and left.

"Ulris."

The steward appeared. "Yes, sir."

"You and Fenrin meet me in my office."

Ulris bowed and Fenrin slipped away, beating his father there and waiting by the doorway.

With a nod from Bryn, Fenrin opened the door and they both went inside. He watched his father, his grey eyes noting every movement and expression. He was filled with curiosity but he tried to dispel it.

He didn't want to think about Lyra, but somehow he couldn't stop himself from going to hear every report. He couldn't untangle the mess of emotions tied to his sister so he tried to ignore it. That mess sat in his stomach as he watched his father and his father watched him.

Finally Bryn spoke, his voice a low growl, "Go find you sister. Give her a message."

Fenrin didn't react but every sense was heightened and he waited for each new word with an anticipation he didn't fully understand.

"Tell her she must return. That if she has learned and grown, she will have a place here at your side." Bryn's fists clenched and his eyes grew dangerous. "But if she does not come back, I will drag her back myself!"

Face grim, Fenrin nodded to his father, repeating the message faithfully and assuring him it'd be done. Half of him didn't want this assignment, didn't want to see his sister again...or did he just not want her to come back?

He went and packed his bag but he couldn't shake one thought.

Fenrin the Wolf. More like Fenrin the Dog. Go fetch, Fenrin. Go fetch the sister who left when you couldn't.