'She's throwing herself into nurse duties, and is at Citaan's side constantly. It seems to be a good distraction for her.'
'That's true. I think Alek and Cat might wake soon.' Loushka sounded optimistic.
'Oh?'
'Their energies are showing stronger, and Elena is beginning to get that look.'
'What look?'
'The one that means she's getting ready to deliver bad news. That's why I hoped you might know something.'
Nesha glanced at Loushka.
'So you don't think they'll just wake up and all will be well?'
'No. Something's up.'
The griffons stopped the conversation as they searched for a landing spot. Daron and Gredel were visiting a neighboring town to sort out a land dispute. Phroma refused to leave Citaan at this late stage of her pregnancy, so Loushka had offered to take Gredel.
Townspeople waited to greet them and as soon as Gredel's feet hit the ground the crowd rushed forward, voices loud and angry as they each made their perspectives clear.
Gredel glanced at Daron.
'Rumal would have been handy for this.'
Daron nodded in agreement and said wryly, 'It's a little too far from Delanta to travel for a basic land dispute though.'
The two men made their way to the town hall, pointedly ignoring those crowding them. The townspeople took the hint, dropping back, and followed quietly. A makeshift court had been arranged in the hall, and Daron and Gredel sat at the head of the room while the defendants and the accused debated. Gredel resisted a groan when he recognized the white haired man who lurched toward the desk before them.
'They haven't asked my permission, ever!' The old man gestured wildly with the gnarled length of wood that served as his walking stick. 'They just marched in and built it. I demand that it be removed!' Spittle sprayed the desk as he yelled and gestured, while the accused flushed an ugly purple shade and stood, about to yell.
'Peace!' Gredel's voice boomed and the old man's eyes widened. He sat down quietly and so did all the others.
With an even tone Gredel began the questioning.
The argument was ridiculous, nothing more than a squabble regarding fence and boundary lines. A frustrating waste of half a day.
'You'd think that they could have figured it out for themselves,' Daron mumbled to Gredel as they walked back to the griffons.
Gredel snorted. 'Yes, and if it were anyone but Old Tearn, they would have. You know he's as grouchy as a dragon with wind.'
Gredel was grateful to be back on Loushka. He looked forward to getting home to the manor. With Citaan's family gone for the moment the house was wonderfully peaceful. He meant to enjoy every moment he could with his beautiful wife before she gave birth and her family invaded again. Not that Gredel didn't like Citaan's family. He did, most certainly, it's just that they seemed to carry such an air of frenetic energy with them that their visits always left him exhausted. With all the extra duties they were shouldering at the moment, any peace was most welcome.
His mind drifted back to Citaan. She was so full with the babe that he was half terrified she'd go into labor while he was away. He was again grateful that Sian and Daron had decided to stay to help out, though he wished the circumstances were different.
I hope Alek and Cat wake soon, Gredel thought. I'd really like them here to offer their blessing when the babe arrives.
Aside from that somewhat selfish reason, it would also make everyone happier. The castle and its inhabitants all carried an aura of gloom at the moment. It had made the days he'd attended Council even more dreary than usual, and roused an unpleasant guilty feeling. Gredel was worried about Alek and Cat, but Elena said they'd be fine, and he was far more worried about Citaan and the baby. With everyone acting as though the end of the world was nigh, he had to contain his enthusiasm and those moments where he wanted to dance around in joy.
A baby. His baby. That thought sent contradicting shivers of excitement and terror through him yet again.
I'm going to be a father!
'Zeynon, NO!' Kassie shrieked, as Rumal's little brother hurled himself off the roof of the shed.
With a flick of her fingers, mind focused, she caught him mid-air with her energy and carefully lowered the little imp to the ground.
As soon as his feet touched the dirt Zeynon made to flee, but was caught by his brother who rounded the corner