be replaced. Clapping him on the back, Ransom said, “I’m sure you have done a capable job. I’m new to this property. I was only just given it. I don’t plan on making changes unless they are needed. If you serve me well, you will retain your post.”
A smile brightened Westin’s mouth. “I intend to serve you well, my lord. Your two wards are here. Would you like to meet them?”
“I would. But I’d like to get out of this armor first and read this letter.”
“I’d be honored to help you, my lord.”
It was a strange and unique experience being the lord of such a fine castle. The fortress of Gison was much smaller and had no hamlet, and in truth, Ransom had spent little time there before leaving for the East Kingdoms. The master chambers were lavish, and the huge bed made him momentarily stare in surprise. The windows overlooked the gardens on one side and the river on the other. With Westin’s help, he removed the suit of armor, and the steward hung the pieces on the waiting armor rack. He studied the tables, dressers, and the single chair, and thought the space too enormous for himself alone.
Of course, it is not meant for you alone. The king expects you to take a wife. He eyed the letter he’d put on the table.
“Are you hungry, my lord? I could have the cook bring something for you.”
Ransom shook his head no. “Feed my men first. If there is anything left, I’ll pick at that. I’d like to see John and Elodie soon. Give me a few minutes to read this.”
“They are awaiting you in the sitting room. I’ll bring you to them after I’ve seen that your men are fed.”
“Thank you, Westin. You’re doing very well.”
After his steward was gone, he broke the seal on Claire’s letter and quickly devoured it.
My dear friend,
Thank you for telling me of your arrangement with the king. I’m eager to hear about your journey to the East Kingdoms. Don’t be stingy with details, now! I’ve nothing but time to read. Maybe your words will help me visit the vast deserts and strange customs in that foreign place. In return, perhaps I can tell you more about my homeland. Of the barrow mounds and hunting lodges in Legault and the tales of the Aos Sí. I’m grateful that you still consider me your friend, and you may rest assured that I shall always consider you my friend. So much has changed. Some memories should best be forgotten. But I will always remember the little boy at the palace, Gervase’s favorite. Remember the tree we got stuck in? The one in the garden? It always makes me laugh to think of it. Now you serve another king. He has good qualities that are constantly disguised by his many terrible ones. Emiloh wishes to add her regards. She and I have become very close. But it is good to have someone to write to. It is good to be able to write to you. Hopefully, the king will allow us to speak in person one day and not just through words scrawled on a page. I should like that very much.
She’d signed her name with a flourish that made him smile. Hadn’t he seen her sign letters to her family like that when they were younger?
Westin returned shortly afterward, and Ransom followed him down a long corridor to the sitting room, his mind still on Claire, his heart aching to read her words again. He knew he would read them over and over.
When they reached the room, Westin rapped softly on the open door, and they entered the space. Two young people stood waiting for them, their nerves showing as surely as Westin’s had.
Ransom appraised them both, wondering what was going through their minds. What did they know about him? What rumors or stories had they heard?
The young man, John Dearley, was tall and rather spare in his frame. He had unruly brown tresses, serious eyes, and he looked pale with concern as he gazed at Ransom. Although the sword belted to his waist indicated he was not without battle training, he had all the insecurity and bravado of a youth trying to appear a man.
The girl, Elodie, was slightly younger. She was lovely, with golden hair that hung in ringlets, but the fidgeting of her hands suggested she was ill at ease. She couldn’t even meet Ransom’s gaze.
The two of them looked like birds trapped