Indenuel got a few winks of sleep. He was far too excited and nervous. The children were finally coming, how could he sleep? He switched between excitement they were coming and the nerves of hoping they were alright. The feelings of dread about leaving them with Andres and Lola came back to him in full force. Would the children be alright? They wrote in their letters they were happy, and he wanted to trust they were, but he was worried about Andres and Lola. He always felt like he was dealing with poisonous snakes whenever he talked to them.
Indenuel got out of bed, then pulled back the curtains to reveal the pre-dawn sky. He didn’t want to wake any of the servants, and he was more than capable of pulling back curtains.
He sat in his chair as he looked out the windows, saw the night sky, saw how close the lonely son was to the horizon. He hadn’t brought himself to look at the night sky since the High Elder’s revelation, but now he couldn’t help but stare. It filled him with a great sadness to see the emptiness of it all. Maybe it was supposed to fill him with happiness and love that the Gods would sacrifice themselves to save humanity, but it didn’t. If the Gods made him, made everyone, sacrificed Their lives for them, would They be ashamed of what Their sacrifice had come to? Wars? Starvation? Abuse? Struggles for power?
Indenuel sighed, staring at the empty sky, trying to imagine what it would look like to be covered in stars. Was it possible with so many stars, it would be as bright as the rising sun? Would the world never know darkness? Or would they be far enough away it wouldn’t matter. The moon didn’t give off that much light. But what if there were over a thousand stars in the sky? Or two thousand? How many stars would there need to be for it to be covered?
The lonely son approached the horizon. In this room, big enough to swallow his entire hut at Mountain Pass, he felt alone. It was the feeling he got in the early mornings when he would take walks in the towns, and he was alright with it.
He thought of the prophecy, of everything everyone had suggested. He thought of the children, who he promised to protect. To end the war so they could come live with him. So far, above everything else, that was his driving force. He wanted the war to end simply so Matteo, Isla, and Emilia could live with him. But would he be alive in order to take care of them? Could he convince Martin to let the children remain with him while he trained? He was certain Andres and Lola would give the children up for a price, but he would have a harder time convincing the High Elders that he could watch them as well as train.
The stars began to fade as the sun peeked over the horizon. The light touched his garden, and he imagined what it would be like for the twins to be able to live here, to experience a life of peace and prosperity. He needed to do everything he could to make sure those girls grew up in a peaceful world.
The door opened and Pablo walked in. “Oh, forgive me, sir. I did not know you were already up.”
“It’s alright, Pablo. Just enjoying the sunrise,” Indenuel said.
“Do you require anything while you enjoy it, sir? A drink? Some refreshments? Music?” Pablo asked.
Indenuel stared at the sunrise, watching it warm the sky to a brilliant blue. “No. Really, a sunrise is all I need. Have you checked on Tolomon?”
“Still resting, sir. Would you like me to get him?” Pablo asked.
“Absolutely not. Let him sleep as long as he needs,” Indenuel said. “Any word from our guests?”
“They are going through the customary search outside the gates of the city as we speak,” Pablo said.
Indenuel’s heart lightened, and a smile crossed his face. “Thank you, Pablo.” It took everything inside him not to leap for a carriage to go meet them now, but he restrained himself.
The door opened wider, and Tolomon stumbled inside, rubbing his eyes but looked ready for whatever danger there might be lurking. He was dressed but looked like he was struggling to focus.
“Tolomon, go back to bed. You need your rest.”
“I assure you, I’ve gotten it,” Tolomon said.
Indenuel smiled as he shook his head. “Pablo, can you convince Tolomon that he needs his sleep?”
“Oh, no sir. If you are incapable of convincing your Graduate he needs to go back to bed, no one can,” Pablo said.
“Come on, Tolomon. This seriously cannot be healthy. You are still recovering from grey death.”
“You won’t be training with the military today, so I will in essence be standing around and prepping for a possible threat. I am rested enough for that.”
Indenuel rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Fine. Who am I seeing today?”
“Fadrique.”
“Perfect,” Indenuel said under his breath.
“A letter arrived, sir, from Captain Luiz,” Pablo said.
Indenuel took it, skimming over the letter. It was a promise to make sure the Oraminians would at least be treated with respect as they were interrogated, which he tried to believe. They had already interviewed Darshin, one of the first men they arrested, but found no evidence of his involvement. And apparently found out some very useful information about the Kiam instead. Indenuel hated politics.
They finalized plans, making sure to ask Sara if the children would still be fine to spend Indenuel’s training at her house with her grandchildren. She speedily replied yes. He was grateful Sara was so willing to let them in. Granted, he probably should have spread that into asking whether Andres and Lola would be allowed to come, too, but he wanted to wait and see. Honestly, the thought of those two spending most of the day at Martin’s house made him uneasy. He especially hated the idea of Lola spreading her gossip with Sara.
“The carriage has pulled into the gate, sir,” a servant said.
Indenuel didn’t bother waiting. He walked out the front door to see the carriage pulling up. He waved, feeling a smile grow on his face. They were here. They were finally here. The carriage barely stopped when Isla and Emilia threw themselves from it, running straight for Indenuel. He relaxed, seeing them wearing fine dresses and looking far more fed than they had in Mountain Pass. In that aspect, at least, Andres and Lola had taken care of them.
He laughed, running toward them and gathering them in his arms, spinning them around. “You’re here! You’re finally here! I was afraid you’d forget me!”
“Never!” Emilia shouted, hugging him close. Indenuel set them down, remaining on his knees as he held each of their hands.
“Look at you two! You’re practically grown women now! How’d you get so big?”
“It’s only been two months!” Emilia said, her hands on her hips.
“Not even two months!” Isla said.
“And what fine dresses you’re wearing. Practically ladies!” Indenuel said.
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Isla giggled before she gave a little curtsey. “Why thank you, sir.” Indenuel smiled wide before giving a low bow.
“Such an honor to meet you, ma’am.”
Indenuel looked up to see Matteo walking over to them. “Matteo!” He stood up and wrapped his arms around him tightly. The boy grunted in surprise before hugging him back, giving soft sniffles and pretending he wasn’t crying. Indenuel himself had tears in his eyes.
“I missed you,” Indenuel said. Matteo nodded again, still hugging him. He remembered what the Dengrian Prophet said about the boy’s powers and was tempted to tell him, but he thought otherwise. Maybe it would be better for him to figure it out himself.
A shadow crossed them, and Matteo looked up to see Tolomon. He broke away, scurrying to Indenuel’s other side, staring wide-eyed at Tolomon, the fear palpable.
“This is my bodyguard, Tolomon,” Indenuel said. He restrained himself from assuring Matteo that he was harmless.
Emilia and Isla both looked at him, taking in his muscles and looking more curious than terrified.
“Do you eat a lot of asparagus?” Isla asked.
Tolomon blinked. “Pardon?”
“Asparagus,” Isla repeated.
“Ami Lucia said asparagus gives you lots of muscles,” Emilia said.
Tolomon remained quiet, taking this in before he nodded. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
“I hate asparagus,” Isla said.
Emilia’s face screwed up in disgust. “I can’t tell the difference between asparagus and weeds.”
“But Ami Lucia always said it was good for us,” Isla said.
A slow smile crossed Tolomon’s face.
“Now girls, what did we say we were supposed to do when we got to the city?” Lola asked, approaching. “No running off and being all wild. This is a very important city, and we don’t want you to get lost.”
Andres said nothing, standing next to his wife and folding his arms. Indenuel had no desire to greet Lola and Andres, but still felt like he had to. He gave them both the smallest nod he could. Lola, in return gave the smallest curtsey he’d ever seen, and Andres did nothing.
“I want to go to the Cathedral!” Emilia said.
“I want to go to the palace! Can we meet the King and Queen?” Isla asked.
“Is that where they’re training for war?” Emilia asked.
“Can we watch soldiers fight?” Isla asked.
“Breakfast first, don’t you think girls?” Indenuel asked.
They began jumping up and down. “Breakfast! Breakfast!”
“Girls, enough,” Andres said, low and quiet.
Emilia and Isla stopped jumping and closed their mouth.
“It should be ready in the dining hall,” Indenuel said as he ushered Matteo toward the house. Matteo didn’t get far before he eased himself back into Indenuel’s shadow.
“Is that your house!” Emilia screamed like everyone was a mile away.
“It is,” Indenuel said.
“The whole thing!” Isla said.
“Yep.”
“That’s bigger than Andres’ house!” Emilia screamed.
Andres’ eyes narrowed and Indenuel had to hide a smile. “You can pick whatever guest room you want.”
“I’m going to sleep in all of them!” Isla screamed.
“Whatever luggage you have, the servants will take care of it,” Indenuel said.
“Oh, so you have servants now,” Andres said.
He let Andres’ jealousy go. They walked inside and the girls began running through the house, while Lola stood forward looking angry. “I had them completely under control before they saw you. You are a bad influence.”
“They’re children,” Indenuel said.
“Children raised by your mother,” Lola said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Indenuel asked, his tone sharp.
Lola said nothing as she turned, grabbing Isla by the arm. “Enough of this, Emilia. We are headed to breakfast.”
She struggled out of Lola’s grip. “I’m Isla!”
“It doesn’t matter. It applies to both of you!”
“Breakfast is this way, sir,” Pablo said, pointing toward the dining hall.
“Thank you, Pablo,” Indenuel said.
“After breakfast your guests can choose which rooms they’d like,” Pablo said.
“Why all of this for just you,” Andres asked, looking around the entryway with disgust. “Why so many empty rooms in a place that could house all of Mountain Pass. Seems like such a waste.”
Indenuel ground his teeth, waiting until the anger went away before he replied, but the problem was, the anger might never go away.
“Breakfast, Andres?” Indenuel asked, pointing toward the dining hall. Andres said nothing, simply looked at him, which made him realize something. He was gaining muscle. Not Tolomon muscle, but he realized he was the same height as Andres. And he was just big enough that the man took notice. The thought alone made Indenuel give the tiniest of smiles as he lifted a hand, gesturing toward the dining hall. Andres hesitated before turning toward the dining hall.
“I give up! You get them to breakfast!” Lola shouted at Indenuel before following her husband. Tolomon watched the two of them leave.
“They seem like lovely people.”
“Are you being sarcastic?” Indenuel asked.
Tolomon chuckled. “I mean, not many people can handle traveling with children for a month. I’m sure it was rough.”
“Especially if you clearly hate children to begin with,” Indenuel mumbled. Tolomon gave him a look before looking pointedly behind him. He turned to see Matteo still there in his shadow. “Hungry, Matteo?”
He nodded.
“Shall I get the twins?” Tolomon asked.
“Yes, please,” Indenuel said.
Tolomon hardly took two steps when the twins ran up to him.
“I’m Emilia!”
“I’m Isla!”
Emilia pointed to her cheek. “I have a dimple when I smile! That’s how you can tell I’m Emilia!”
Isla held up five fingers. “I’m five!”
“I’m five also!”
Isla pointed to Indenuel. “He’s my friend!”
Emilia spun around, her arms wide. “He said we can sleep in any room in his house!”
“Is your house as big as Indenuel’s?”
“I live here too,” Tolomon said.
Emilia kept spinning, going faster. “You keep him safe?”
“I do,” Tolomon said.
She was spinning too fast, getting too dizzy. He caught her before she fell over. “Do you want any breakfast?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Isla screamed.
“Come on,” Tolomon said.
Indenuel smiled as the two girls grabbed Tolomon’s hands and ushered him forward. He looked like he’d rather hold their elbows but wasn’t going to fight it. Indenuel walked toward the dining hall, and Matteo followed.
There were platters of eggs, roasted potatoes, ham, beans, sausages, and toast. Lola and Andres had just finished dishing up when they started eating. Isla and Emilia looked positively thrilled as they drug Tolomon over to the table, having him sit right at the divide between the men and the women tables.
Once everyone settled in with their breakfast, they started eating. The children stuffed the food in their mouths, with Lola glaring at them the entire time and constantly reminding them of manners.
“Now, I don’t know what your plans are for the day, but-” Indenuel started to say.
“Andres and I are going to take one of your carriages and explore the city without the children,” Lola said quickly.
Indenuel relaxed. “Perfect. I’d rather spend the day with the children anyway.”
“One of your servants can keep an eye on them while you’re off training,” Andres said.
“Actually, they-” Indenuel shot Tolomon a look to shut him up. He obeyed, curious. He didn’t want Andres and Lola to know they were going to Martin’s. He wanted to keep the two of them away from any nobility as long as possible.
“Is there a problem?” Lola asked.
“No problem. Once you’re done with breakfast you can choose your guest room and be on your way,” Indenuel said, trying to make it sound like he was being hospitable, but there was a deep, underlying current of anger there.
Lola gave him a fake smile. “Perfect.”
“How long will you be in the city?” Indenuel asked.
“Oh, all day. Don’t wait dinner on us. After today I’d love to meet your nobility friends you’ve made,” Andres said before taking a bite of ham.
“Why such interest in the nobility?” Indenuel asked, focused on his own breakfast.
“Simply curious to see how you’re being received here,” Andres said.
He stabbed his eggs too hard with his fork. “Why should that matter?”
“I’d hate to think people here have the wrong idea about you,” Andres said.
Indenuel smiled. “No, Andres, you are the one that has the wrong idea about me.”
Andres gave him a dark glare, but he refused to glare back. After all, it was Andres who was now a guest in his home, and that must be its own form of torture for him. He finished his breakfast and stood. “We shall see you later tonight.”
Indenuel’s smile was pained, but it was there. Andres left the dining hall with Lola finishing her breakfast quickly before following behind him. Indenuel sighed, feeling his shoulders relax, knowing they were gone. Maybe, if he made the price big enough, he could buy them out of ever visiting again.
Matteo finished the last of his breakfast. “Do you want more?” Indenuel asked. Matteo nodded, and a servant came over, filling his plate again. “Just so you know, you don’t have to eat all of it. It was something I had a hard time adjusting to when I first got here.”
He nodded again as his plate was given to him. He leaned down, stuffing his face like he hadn’t had an entire plate before this. Indenuel watched with growing dread. “Did… did Andres feed you enough?”
“Lola said Matteo is growing,” Emilia called from the other end of the table.
“Won’t stop eating,” Isla added.
“Will eat everything in sight if he’s not stopped,” Emilia said.
“Do they force you to stop eating?” Indenuel asked instead.
“I get full enough,” Matteo said quietly.
“He ate so much at the inns when we were traveling here,” Isla said.
“Well, eat as much as you want, but I should warn you, you’ll be going to Sara’s home while I’ll be training today,” Indenuel said to Matteo.
“Who’s Sara?” Isla asked.
“High Elder Martin’s wife. And Sara always enjoys feeding people. A little too much,” Indenuel said, remembering the physical pain of getting food stuffed into him.
“I want to see her now!” Emilia said.
“Soon, Emilia. Soon,” Indenuel said.