Six round towers were silhouetted against the purple gray of twilight. I slipped aside the shade of the litter with a heavy sigh. Tapping my gloved fingers on the frame, I glanced over at my brother in the seat before me. He was layered in wolf and bear fur, the remaining skins we could salvage at Ignit Covert.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zMKLK1tlM
Grimacing, I drew my thoughts away from the castle of my childhood. It had been in worse condition than I could ever have imagined. Birds roosting in main rooms, walls collapsing, most of my grandfather's fine weaponry and grandmother's jewelry missing forever. I fought the impulse to kick Haneric as the memory burned through me. It was as though those things had meant nothing to him. For the hundredth time, I wished I had been born the eldest son of my parents. I never would have let such a thing happen.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2vzcbWD1h
“Are we almost there?” He croaked, sunken eyes still shutting out the world.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnH3y2xMOq
I shifted in my seat, neatening the collar of my cloak to give my hands something to do. “Yes.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV0dGLXHfj
“Have you ever seen it? Gegar Red?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAmZ9yb6cd
“Never.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6B5998HVW
He smirked. “Father was jealous of it.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mS8zyTxf8
I rolled my eyes and stretched my legs. “Sleep now. I don't want to talk anymore.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJJdJTMUZY
Haneric settled down deeper into his furs, his thin lips still wearing that maddening smirk. I opened the curtain again for another glimpse of the castle while the sun was present. The towers rose over the treeline, looming like the sharp pinnacles of mountains. I had heard that the stone was a rare rose color, the roofs black as charcoal.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n4JteSBVO
It had been the home of Theodric's mother in her childhood. Upon the death of her father, it had come into the possession of her eldest brother, Theodric's uncle. Sidimund had told me the man had taken Theodric into battle during the civil war for the throne. They had fought for Ervig and won. But his uncle had died childless in combat and left the castle to teenage Theodric. Soon after, I was married to Sidimund and Theodric took up a permanent and lonely residence at the red castle.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3apbJY5gd
By the time we arrived, it was too dark to see if the rumors of the red stones were true. Thick wooden doors creaked open as we rode into the keep. I was thankful we were at the end of our journey. The muscles in my back were stiff with cold and my stomach was unsettled, acid climbing up the back of my throat. Heart burn had been a common ailment for me in my last pregnancy. I had hoped I would forgo it this time.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7XXlGQ7BQ
The courtyard was dim with only a few torches. Aside from Argath, two of Theodric's men had escorted us to his home. They were silent, cloaked figures with watchful eyes. As one helped me from the litter, a hint of a tattoo peeked out from the sleeve at his wrist. It was similar to Teàrlag's, a Tormod mark. Strange that Theodric would keep Tormod men at his castle when his father had been so vehemently prejudiced against the people. I could only assume it was because Theodric had always trusted Argath's judgement more than Sidimund's.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JebsHplil
My limbs were raw with cold. We had traveled all day and after the previous night, I was riddled with aches. I meandered through the dark towards the open gate doors and peered out into the forest beyond. The flicker of glowing eyes shifted among the shadows of trunks, snow shushing in curls under silent paws. The wolves were out. A howl rose towards the cloudy sky but I did not shudder. I was too weary to be frightened.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QpjgB3eGj
“It's dangerous out here, my lady.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVrpSM5JTH
I turned towards Argath who stood at a respectful distance from me. His direct stare was unreadable. The only thing I could understand about the man was that he wasn't afraid of me. Even Brisam had been and Sidimund in his own way. My own brother, for all his cheek, danced around my presence. But not Argath Mercer.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZqObTwAeP
“I am safe in the goddess's hand.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoFmIVYL9E
“Like you were last night?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BAw1si7cc
I smiled coolly. “You were there to rescue me, weren't you?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMcfBn87Yn
“But that was by my doing, not your goddess's.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡWULBhtxffH
I prickled at his dig but only moved slowly past him. “If you say so.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkjuQkX8r9
The men were trying to get Haneric from the litter but he was insisting on walking himself. He was much too weak but protested. “I am a grown man-”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfVwuwUDES
“Then why haven't you started acting like one before now?” I demanded, coming alongside the litter. “Argath, carry him.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ANMc4gKjv
The man moved silently. One look from him and Haneric went silent. I could have laughed at the sight as Argath scooped him up like a disobedient child into his arms and carried him towards the doors of the keep. I was also stunned by how skinny my brother had become even in the few months since I had last seen him. We had brought Tubor along to help with the horses, as much as he could. Truth be told, the old man was reaching an age where he was proving unserviceable. It would have been a mercy to put him down like a decrepit dog.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡrePKIG4FPw
Tubor tripped nearby as we made our way across the dimly lit ice. I reached out and steadied his elbow. He blinked over at me and bowed his head. “Thank you, my lady.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9MKGhhAUV
He was as bony as my brother. I wondered how long the two of them had been starving there at Ignit Covert. “Before you go to the stables, get some food with the men. We can't have you keeling over.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVvfHIkYsE
“Yes, my lady.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUSkEA0JgP
Upon entering the keep, the great crest of Theodric's mother's side hung on the outcrop of wall over our heads. Stone antlers crowning a shield with two oak trees sprouting rocky blooms and leaves. It looked like it had been carved just days before though I could only guess it had been there atleast a century. The men lit torches in the sconces down the hall, showing the tint of crimson in the stones.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5Z2PGj6ge
“My lady, we only have part of the castle opened right now as the master is away. There are several bed chambers, most of them are modest but will heat better than the larger rooms.” One of Theodric's servants explained, the fellow with the hidden tattoo.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J9xZRgkPJ
“Tell me, are you full or only half blood Tormod?” I asked casually as I removed my gloves, unable to quell my curiosity.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjDQEirE1I
The young man hesitated, his hands itching at his sleeves though his secret had already been found out. “Half. My father.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiNtkD9EJq
“Like Squire Argath then?” I noticed Argath's head twitch as my voice carried forward. “Are any of you full blood?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLa1jaSzuI
“Aye, my lady.” The other man boomed nearby, his hair flaming red and build like a giant.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs2WjGeKlg
I scoffed. “My, you are quite a specimen. What are your names?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPygjTTtxD
The giant cleared his throat. “We are Lord Theodric's huntsmen. I am Éibhear and this nervous lad is my cousin, Abbán.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqp4sJfkjJ
Honestly, I thought the both of them appeared equally nervous. Éibhear fiddled with the hilt of his sword as he and Abbán bowed as we passed the broad door leading to the great hall. I nodded my dismissal of them to go eat and continued after Argath as he carried Haneric. We climbed a set of stairs to the second floor.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cb5yvMNf7
Even without fires burning in the rooms, it felt warmer than it had at Ignit Covert. The construction of the castle was cleaner, the dark frames around the windows tightly knit to the stones. Argath set Haneric on the four poster bed in one of the chambers and moved to light a fire for him in the hearth. I paused by his bed as he situated his furs. He blinked up at me, bruises of fatigue painting his cheeks. He let out another violent cough and I shuddered.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IWCZgwTJ4
“I will send food and warm honeyed mead up after I get settled in my own room.” I cut my eyes to the threadbare rug under my feet.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEuWJWFYhY
Haneric drew a ragged breath. “Thank you, sister.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlATq9pcWE
“I beg your pardon, my lady, but I already requested it be done. The scullery maid will be up shortly.” Argath explained behind me. “If you will follow me, your room is the next floor up.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0nhDnxagh
Climbing the stairs, he cut past a landing and towards another door. I peered up the stairs in the dark. They twisted up one of the towers. I scoffed. “I am being quartered in a turret? Like a prisoner?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMVJJFGoDX
Argath didn't stop but kept on climbing. “You will be more comfortable up here.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡmljXfJ6EW3
“I would prefer to be closer to my brother.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg4GyI36Sk
“I am merely following the request of my master, Lady Hania. I believe you will find your rooms quite suitable.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡn76jQPYweC
Too weary to argue, I decided to move my rooms the next morning myself. I would not be cloistered away as though I were a Sister in a nunnery. It was ridiculous.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBXNycxFRu
The circular room had a broad hearth upon entering it. Argath started a fire as I removed my cloak. Light danced off the walls revealing a bed and a wash stand. By the window was a loom and embroidery stand with a basket of threads. I narrowed my eyebrows, wondering when the last time a woman who did needlework had been at Gegar Red.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaLORjwVpp
“This room belonged to Lord Theodric's mother before she married Sidimund Vultuff. Nothing has been changed since she left it,” Argath answered my silent question.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNxm6oc5Uq
Meandering towards the embroidery stand, I ran my fingers over the sun stained cloth pulled tight in the hoop. I ghosted my fingers over the figure in black sewn there. Though faint from the years, the massive curves of muscle and fur formed a bear, claws extended and teeth bared. She had left it undone, the borders blank. The animal battled itself in a lonely sea of yellowed white.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp1FdASKfJ
“I will have your food sent up here in a few moments.” Argath bowed and turned towards the door.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZT0NLjkGJ
“I would rather go down and fetch it myself,” I snapped, our entire arrival making me wary, “stretch my legs a little-”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWwhiDFvIA
“No, my lady. You are tired.” He nodded towards the trunk by the window. “You will find clothing in there, Theodric said you fit his mother's gowns well. Your own belongings will be brought up tomorrow.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqZX5dxXYN
I shifted nervously on my feet. “You give orders very well, squire.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdMBdAmxU3
With a wisp of a smile across his unyielding face, Argath turned his back on me. “Good night, my lady.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEZNWirBNa
A key in the closed door and the lock snapped shut from the outside. My heart dropped to my stomach. Striding over, I banged my fists against it but his footsteps faded down the turret. I was trapped. Panic threatened to course through my veins. Breathing deeply, I sat by the fire to think.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJAbHGoeDm
Perhaps the evil intent towards me and my child was not from Tulin Odovacar but Theodric. I stood and paced. I couldn't fight my way out, not in my condition. My brother was ill and of no help to even himself. The key in the door clicked and the Tormod huntsman, Éibhear, entered with a plate of dried meat and peasant bread.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lAPWOpilk
“I demand to know why this door has been locked,” I shrilled, my cheeks hot with anger, “who do you think you are here? Imprisoning guests?”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDZlrVESws
“My lady,” he held up a hand and set down the plate, “Its for your own protection. And only at night. During the day, you are free to roam where you will.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IbCTSji7W
“Protection? What do you mean by that?” I snapped.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaifZe3pxp
He sighed and glanced towards the window. “Telling you won't be enough. You need to see it. Watch by the window this night if you are brave enough.”copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT2JftEUmb
He bowed and left the room. I watched him, confounded by his answer and frozen where I stood. The lock snapped shut and once again, I was captive. With a huff, I grabbed the piece of bread and strode over to the window. From the turret, only wintry woods reflecting faint moonlight could be seen. I waited.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoTy1Nrk5y
After a half an hour, I sat down at the embroidery stand. Despite my agitation, the day's exertions soon caught up with me. Warm in the well insulated room, the ornate tapestries of unicorns and lions reflecting gold in the firelight, I drifted to sleep.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKJz0IO38l
Snarling and sniffing broke through the darkness but my dream would not set me free. I was thirteen and underneath a body, underneath Sidimund. Trapped. I swallowed back a whimper, even as a girl I was too enraged to show fear. Vicious hatred raced through my veins, replacing any chance of affection for the man. I wanted to grow claws and fangs, tear his pink body to pieces. But I was captive in the union to which I had been sold. No better than chattel.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSevBuZgol
The snarls rose to a throaty howl. I shuddered awake. The sounds were not in my dream. The fire had died down and a strange chill filled the room. The moon was misty with cloud, riding low along the trees below my tower.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKJliL8K5e
Against the white snow a figure writhed. It was a man. Two others stood alongside him. Their shadows jerked, limbs elongating and snapping the joints. The man on the ground howled as his head cracked back, canines sharpening to fangs so large that I could see them glint with saliva from my window. I gripped the embroidery stand beside me.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡinY2WYKK2T
What the old Tormod midwife said was true. Cursed men losing their shape to the night and becoming beasts. Three huge bears, larger than any I had seen in the woods, panted white breaths in the moonlight. I peered down at the figure on the cloth.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vLk0nO0Dc
I wasn't trapped up there, just as Éibhear had said. I was being kept safe.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5X5qgQz0W
Unable to look anymore upon the monstrous figures below, I strode towards the door. Barring it with the locks on the inside of the door, I threw more logs on the fire as though the light would drive away the demon bears. Fully clothed, I laid on the bed and listened to them rustling and roaring below.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡNijMlgK60N
I finally fell asleep towards dawn and again my dreams found me underneath a body. But this one had fur and hot breath that filled my nostrils. Sidimund was gone, but I was still trapped.copyright protection165ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6iLrj8fjM
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