much better than relationships born of necessity or contract.” Lord Ross’s expression remained contemplative, and much kinder and more approachable than it had been earlier. “At least I’ve found that to be the case, with respect to my own happiness. This I share with you, since your own father is deceased, and your mother—well. I suspect she hasn’t been able to impart much wisdom about the business of being an adult.”
Nic shifted in his seat, releasing his hold on the edges of his chair. “Do you worry that I’ll pass my mother’s madness to my off-spring?”
At this, Lord Ross actually smiled, if only for a moment. “If we lived by such worries in Eyrie, no one would ever marry, son. You take on risks as well. As you know, none of my heirs save for the son who fathered Dari and Kate have survived. The Wasting goes hard on my bloodline.”
Nic considered this, but it didn’t weigh against his feelings for Dari in the least. He was about to explain this when Lord Ross brought up another point.
“Further, Dari has no legitimate standing as my heir, because of her heritage. Her true lineage can never be revealed unless the Stregans one day come forth from hiding—but many a dynast lord has married a pigeon of his allies or enemies.”
Nic got to his feet faster than he meant to, almost overbalancing and falling to the hearth behind him. When he regained his balance, he faced Lord Ross, and with all the force he could muster, he said, “Please don’t call Dari a pigeon, or any other name that disrespects her.”
“It’s no shame, to be considered the illegitimate child of a dynast lord, even when it isn’t true.” Lord Ross stood, but he didn’t seem to be offended, or in a hurry. “That’s the assumption people will make, and you’ll have to let it stand. Are you prepared to do that?”
Nic realized he had taken a fighting stance, as if he could actually strike another man—especially this man—and remain on his feet. He relaxed his arms and tried to seem more respectful himself.
Lord Ross came to stand next to him by the fire, and when he gazed down at Nic, he seemed more like a father and grandfather than a fearsome and legendary dynast lord. “Have you discussed this plan of yours with my granddaughter?”
Nic’s throat went dry, but he managed to whisper, “Plan?”
Lord Ross sighed. “Have you asked Dari to be your true and honorable band-mate, until fate cleaves the chevilles that will bind you together?”
“I—no. I can’t—I haven’t.” Nic folded his arms to keep his hands from shaking. “She’s invested in Aron, and in Stormbreaker. She doesn’t even know I—she doesn’t see me that way, Lord Ross.”
“I think she does.” Lord Ross’s dark eyes danced with life, as Dari’s did when something amused her. “I think she’s waiting for you to speak and put an end to her confusion.”
Nic struggled to form a response, but found nothing at all in his mind. He felt obliterated, yet rebuilt, but completely uncertain about what to say or do next.
Lord Ross put his hand on Nic’s shoulder, and the weight of his grip threatened to drive Nic to his knees.
“I’m taking you both to war in a matter of days, Nic. Were I you, I wouldn’t wait too long.”
CHAPTER SIXTY
ARON
Aron felt hot and undeserving in his new, thick gray robe.
Sweat gathered along his neck as he stood in the main chamber in the House of the Judged, a large stone room with a packed dirt floor. He was surrounded by Stone Brothers and Stone Sisters, all of whom seemed more worthy than he did. There was Stormbreaker on his left, and Snakekiller on his right, their benedets glowing a deep black in the ample candlelight. Windblown behind him seemed steady and comfortable, as did countless other guild members Aron couldn’t even name. Gathered together like this, they formed a smooth sea of gray, down to their matching colorless chevilles.
He was a part of them. That much Aron felt in his blood, in his heart and bones, yet he stood separate from them in ways he couldn’t name or explain. His trial had marked him, and he couldn’t accept his own actions as easily as Lord Baldric and Stormbreaker. Aron had often dreamed of returning from the Ruined Keep as a vested member of the Guild. He had imagined this would finally set him at ease and fill him with the peace he so