As it settled, I took another deep breath and it felt like I was taking my first real breath. It was clear and crisp and whole. Satisfying.
It was satisfying.
Opening my eyes, I was met with the shocked faces of every single person around me, including Rogue and Ewan. It was deathly silent, everyone frozen in place.
“The last Storm Bringer,” someone breathed.
“The last Storm Bringer,” Rogue echoed beside me, his eyes wide, smiling faintly in awe.
The men and women stood one at a time until they were all standing.
“I will stand with you, princess,” a man said, closing the distance and kneeling in front of me.
“As will I,” said another. And another. And another.
Until they were all kneeling on one knee, their heads bowed.
* * *
A few hours later and the heaviness in the room had dissipated as the mead flowed. I had spent the entire time listening to story after story of Vaelor, and my smile hadn’t faltered since they began.
Every story was full of kindness, bravery, strength, and selflessness. I swelled with pride at every memory he had left on this town, but a small part of me was saddened with each story, serving as a reminder that I would never get to experience that same kindness. I would never even get to meet him.
I lifted the mug to my lips, savoring the sweet honey, as the man continued his story to the group I was sitting with.
“And there I was, a young lad of only eight with no wits in sight, thinking I could weather the storm and swim out to touch the rock as the older boys had done. Mind you, it was really storming now—rain, lightning, wind, you name it. I made it halfway when a riptide grabbed me. I fought it, but it was no use. I was a goner until Vaelor stalled the storm and jumped into the water to save me.” He placed a hand on mine. “It’s by his grace that I am here to tell you this story today.”
Tears swam in the man’s eyes and I nodded, swallowing against the rising emotion.
“I will forever be grateful for your father. He was the bravest, kindest man this town ever knew.”
“Aye!” The group cheered around us, raising their mugs in tribute. I smiled, lifting the mug and taking a sip.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Rogue at the table with his men. We hadn’t spoken since the people pledged to the cause… To me.
My mind was still reeling. It didn’t feel quite real and it definitely didn’t feel right. I didn’t grow up here. I didn’t even know Vaelor and yet, these people were willing to follow me into battle just to honor his legacy.
I took another long drink from the mug, returning my focus to Rogue.
A man leaned across the table to say something unintelligible with a wide grin and Rogue threw his head back in laughter. A smile pulled at my lips. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him laugh like that. He caught my stare and turned his head in my direction, a lazy grin still painting his lips, and winked at me before turning back to his men.
I released a soft laugh as butterflies took off in my gut, and I didn’t know if it was the mead or something entirely worse. Lifting the mug to my lips, I downed the rest of its contents and walked to the bar, plopping down on a stool. As I approached, Ewan set another on the counter with a smile.
“I meant what I said. Every word. My sword, and my life, are yours just as they were your father’s.”
“Thank you, Ewan,” I replied. “I actually… Well, I found Vaelor’s journals at Draig Hearth and he mentioned you in them. I haven’t read much yet, just the entries about Adrastus.”
His eyes dropped to the bar, his hand running along the smooth wood.
“If I had known what Adrastus would go on to do, I would’ve killed him the first chance I got. Cut the head off the beast. But Vaelor…He believed every life could be saved, especially the Fae. It will always be my biggest regret.”
When he looked up again, I could see guilt in his eyes. I reached out, placing my hand on his, giving it a light squeeze just as Livvy had always done for me.
“None of that was your fault. You couldn’t have known, Ewan. Don’t let this weigh on you. From what I’ve heard, Vaelor wouldn’t want that.”
He gazed at me, swallowing hard. “I know you’re right. He wouldn’t, but it’s still…hard. It will weigh on me for the rest of my days. But know this, I willnotfail you.”
“You didn’t fail Vaelor, Ewan.”