more moments.
Only after a glare from Lord Baldric did Stormbreaker give his answer.
“We might have crossed paths in the past.” Stormbreaker’s voice was barely louder than a whisper, but Aron could almost feel the bellows he seemed to be holding back with the straining muscles in his neck.
Falconer studied him longer, but ultimately shrugged off whatever curiosity had possessed him. Aron was aware of Dari forcibly mediating the appearance of his legacy, making it even duller at the same time her worry for Stormbreaker escalated. Hasty and Terrick seemed uncomfortable yet intrigued, and Lord Baldric not-so-politely annoyed as Falconer got to his point.
“Lady Pravda sent me to gather all unclaimed orphans. It’s my wish to rest, then leave with the children in the morning.”
Aron sucked in a breath as Dari’s soft mental touch abruptly withdrew. He blinked rapidly, trying to understand what Falconer had just announced. In the man’s essence, Aron detected only truth and the desire to see to his assigned task—but that was mingled with an odd, almost calloused weariness. As if Falconer would rather be anywhere but here, doing almost anything but this.
Lord Baldric’s mouth had come open, as had Terrick’s, Hasty’s, and Dari’s. The bunch of them looked like siblings, mimicking one another in some deranged game.
It was Stormbreaker who finally broke the silence, and this time, he spoke with more force. “You cannot truly intend to herd a band of helpless children across Dyn Brailing and Dyn Cobb in the midst of a war.”
“It would take cycles to make such a journey.” Dari sounded horrified. “They would be fodder for guardsmen and bandits.”
Falconer gave Dari an indulgent look. “Others of our ranks have visited villages and guild houses all across Eyrie, and accomplished just such a feat. Thorn is as capable of defending its charges as Stone.”
Aron saw the lie in that assertion, and his legacy picked out the last of the statement as the source of the untruth. Falconer well knew that Thorn would be leading children into extreme peril, but he intended to proceed, nonetheless.
“I cannot allow that,” Lord Baldric said. “Those who have sought shelter in our stronghold have been guaranteed Stone’s full protection. Releasing them for a death march would be unconscionable.”
Falconer stood straighter, conveying his affront with a subdued frown. “The Guard in all six dynasts have guaranteed our safe passage. They have agreed to escort us when necessary, or we would not have undertaken this journey.”
“Guardsmen protecting you?” Hasty’s deep voice carried none of its initial jocularity, and Aron saw the flash of disbelief in the Stone Brother’s wide brown eyes. “That would be like wolves tending to the sheep. The roads are not safe, least of all in the presence of any Dynast Guard save perchance Cobb, and Ross if you’re fortunate enough to have their support.”
“Stone may have its issues with dynast armies, but Thorn does not—and seeing to the welfare of orphans is Thorn’s duty.” Falconer’s composure never faltered, and he kept right on sounding like a rector plying his trade. “I know Lady Pravda has sent many communications to you since the start of this conflict. The children’s need for safety has never been greater than it is now, so we must act.”
“Now.” Lord Baldric’s laugh sounded as sharp as a polished battle blade. “So it’s now, right now—after all these years of dereliction?”
Falconer’s calm expression wavered. “We have received no messengers from Stone asking us to retrieve orphans.” His voice shook on the last few words. “It is your responsibility to tender them to us after you take them in.”
“Since when does Stone have to send messengers to encourage Thorn to follow its own code?” Stormbreaker stood, his nails still digging into Lord Baldric’s table. “Since when does Thorn show interest in children who bear no wealth or importance to increase Thorn’s status?”
The tension radiating from Stormbreaker was so palpable Aron stood himself, more to withstand it than in a show of unity. He was dimly aware of Dari rising to join him. Hasty and Terrick remained seated, but they looked as angry as Stormbreaker.
“Dun.” Lord Baldric’s whispered caution made gooseflesh rise across Aron’s neck and shoulders. There was new energy in the room now, energy Aron had never felt before. He perceived it as a humming white cloud, a quiet, but deliberate force, and it made his bones ache when it passed over him.
Lord Baldric? His eyes moved from person to person, desperate to understand the sensation. Falconer? Could Hasty or Terrick have