Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

Torin stood at the edge of the lake where he often escaped for solitude. He had received letters from Kiaran over their time apart, but since his visit he had received none. Some of her letters were rather personal about her thoughts, may they be fearful or excitement. He hoped he may receive another one soon.

His gaze moved passed the narrow pathway cluttered with tall weeds and young saplings. Lianna walked toward him, her stride very smooth and graceful. Her long, deep red hair was braided in two thick braids, one twisted into a bun on the back of her head, the other resting over a shoulder.

Morran, his young, gray wolf walked along with her, his head low, showing respect to his leaders. The wolf trotted over to Torin, panting happily. His fur was a matte gray against the sunlight.

“Is everything alright, Torin?” she asked as she neared him.

“Yes,” he nodded slowly.

She could see past his mask, his smile, and straight into his heart. Her smile was near a grimace as she touched her fingers to his fresh tattoo across his bicep, wrapping around his arm in a beautiful band of a lace-like pattern.

“What is in your heart, Torin?” she forced herself to ask. Her voice was almost broken, nearly so as her heart. She knew what he was thinking. It was Kiaran, that woman he loved for the past two years. It was still following him, no matter how many miles apart they were.

“Davin is worrying me,” he said lowly. Her face twisted in surprise, and he continued, “I have heard stories of my brother being like a hermit as of late. He was never like that. It comes easy to him, leading.”

Her hand moved to his shoulder, a scar carving its way from beneath his shirt and down to the band. That was a bad omen for their marriage—to have a scar move through the band meant their marriage would fail.

It was difficult to fight away the relief she had from his answer, though. She watched his face until he finally brought his sights to her.

He could see the uncertainty in her eyes. Lowering his brows, he asked, “Is something wrong?” Her lip quivered as she was unable to answer. He moved his hands to either side of her face, holding her softly. Her cheeks were hot in his hands. Gently, he leaned in, kissing her lips. Keeping his forehead to hers, he spoke lowly, “You needn’t worry, Lianna, I am always with you.”

“What of Kiaran?” she found herself asking, the words simply falling from her mouth.

“What about her?” his tone shifted somewhat as he stood back again. She opened her mouth, unable to reply. He sighed sharply as he pulled a hand through his hair. “I did not marry her,” he answered finally. “If I had, it would have been a mistake.”

He did love Kiaran, but it was in the past. Lianna was never a way to pull himself from Kiaran. There was something of a deep feeling within him; something had pulled him toward the young woman. Whether or not she realized it, Lianna was everything to him. But at times, he wondered if it was true. He wanted it to be—was that enough?

After a rather long silence, she said, “You have another letter.” She held an envelope towards him. She had never learned how to read, so the first few letters he had to convince her that they were not love letters. Now, she simply handed them over with an uncomfortable expression.

Taking it from her, he nodded, “Thank you.”

He looked at it, finding that it wasn’t from Kiaran this time. It had no seal, no markings, just simply Torin’s name. Lowering a brow, he began to open it. Lianna asked who it was from and he simply shook his head. He had no idea. The wolf sat at his feet, his eyes moving over the area, taking in the scenery.

Torin looked at the letter as he pulled it from the envelope. It was from someone in the City of Rishana, though the name was unfamiliar.

Dear Torin Holloway,

It has been a surprise to us all that your older brother has received the the throne. A feat, if I may say. However, this letter is concerning what you are probably fearful of. I cannot say for certain what has happened, but something unsettling has occurred in the castle. Letters have already been sent to the leader of your tribe, though I am certain they will not tell you. I ask that you do not tell them this: I request you to come to the City of Rishana. I have something for you.

Signed,

Bayton Briknaus

He lifted his eyes to his wife who watched in deep curiosity. “...I think I should take a trip to the City,” he said lowly. She didn’t reply and he asked, “You want to come?” He smiled a little and she returned it, uncertainty washing over her face.

“I-I really don’t know,” she stammered anxiously.

“You don’t have to,” he said, taking her hand. “I was just thinking...”

“Well,” she lowered her head. Touching her free hand to his side, she stepped a bit closer. “I think I’d like to go,” she lifted her hazel eyes to him. He kissed her head happily and she chuckled.

“My mother would love to see Tallin again,” he said.

“I am sure.” They both turned and headed toward their home and she asked, “When shall we leave?”

“Tomorrow,” he answered solemnly. “I have some things I need to do.”

“Alright,” she smiled.

They parted, Lianna heading to the house. Torin, however, headed toward the center of the tribe where Kane and Raven were speaking.

“He hasn’t done anything yet, but that doesn’t mean much,” Raven said beneath her voice.

“We will do our duty and keep our attention on him,” Kane replied. “There is very little we can do with such small numbers anymore...”

They hushed as Torin neared them, his brows drawing low. “Are you talking about my brother?” They didn’t reply right away, which was answer enough. Kane’s jaws tightened, his massive chest expanding as he inhaled. “What has happened in the City?” he demanded.

“...There is much to discuss, Holloway,” Kane exhaled heavily as he walked past. "But we can't discuss it with you."

Torin’s eyes darted to Raven who was just as good at glaring as Kiaran ever was. “Things are not settling well in the City,” she answered. “Just believe that we will do our best to prevent another corrupt reign.”

“He is my brother, you must tell me what is going on,” he demanded.

“No.” He was stunned and she added, “He is your brother and that is where the problem lies.” With that, she followed after Kane.

Scowling, he flexed his fists at his sides, reluctant to move from his spot. As worry and anger swarmed in his skull, he was started as Stella reached him. “Torin?” she frowned. “What is the matter?” she asked.

“They have refrained from telling you as well?” he barked. She glared at his snap and he sighed an apology. Then, he said, “There may be some problems with Davin.”

“Problems? What kind?” she asked, a hint of worry washing over her.

“Aye,” he mumbled. He glanced back toward his home where Lianna took Tallin from Miri, the young girl who often watched her. “I am going to the City with Lianna tomorrow,” he said. Finally, he faced her once again and added with a very stern voice. “Do not tell anyone.”

“Understood, Torin,” she nodded. “You want me to remain here?”

“Yes,” he said. “Make sure they do not do anything stupid. I have to check on him before they come to any conclusions that might not be true.”

“Understood,” she inclined her head before adding, “Take care.” He grunted a response and walked to his little family.

Tallin squealed happily at his arrival, reaching her arms out for him. She giggled as he took her from her mother. She had dark red hair lining her round head, her dark brown eyes digging into him happily. Her little fingers grasped at the fur of his jacket, the other hand holding his chin tightly. No matter the stress he was under, he smiled. It was a wonder how that little child could make him so happy.

His eyes lifted to Lianna who watched with a soft, comforting smile. She reached out, wrapping an arm partly around him as she walked with him into the house.

It was a small home, the floor just the dirt ground. It only had two rooms, one for their bed, the other filled with chairs for a sitting room. On a shelf sat his book and some loose papers as he continued to work on the stories of his journey with Kiaran and Davin. Sitting, Torin placed Tallin on the floor as she pouted. Pulling off his boots, he grumbled to his wife about Kane’s neglect to tell him about Davin.

“It is alright,” she assured him. “We will figure everything out once reaching the city.”

“That is hopeful,” he muttered. “But I have faith in Davin, I do. He is a good man--better than most.”

“Do not sell yourself short, my husband,” she warned. “You are a good man as well.”

He smiled, obviously not believing her words. Shrugging a shoulder, he said, “Thank you, Lianna, but I am afraid you’ve been lying to yourself.”

“I do not do that,” she smiled. “If I could lie to myself, imagine all the lies I’d believe from other people. It would be a sad life, indeed, if I could trust no one--including myself.”

“A scholar couldn’t have worded that any better,” he smiled at her. She walked to him and kissed his head. “Take Tallin and rest, won’t you? We have a few days’ journey ahead of us.”

“Aye,” she smiled wider and kissed him again. His strong hands rested on her hips as he looked up to her. Her fingers played with his hair, brushing it back and she leaned in, resting her lips to his.

It proved difficult to leave the Tribe without telling anyone why. He had to lie over and over again, stating he was simply visiting his parents so they could see his family as it grew. Some were skeptic, however, they trusted Torin enough to know he wouldn’t lie without reason.

A few days of easy travel had passed and they reached the city. The walls were finally finished being repaired from the big battle against Murdock. The buildings within were taking much more time, some of the owners not having the resources to construct them.

Torin wore a simple tunic while Lianna wore a simple dress--one more common than her tribal clothing. However, their tattoos were still visible, and Torin’s horse’s mane caught many people’s attention. They moved through the city toward the far east wall where his father and mother lived.

They had a large amount of land, enough for about five horses, two goats, and a cow. Beside the animal’s barn was a forge, his father being a renown blacksmith for the city. However, when he and Davin were young, his father had injured his arm, and he had to abandon the practice. It was saddening as the forge came into view. He had no one to take it over. Both sons had abandoned him for different occupations.

“Their home is lovely,” Lianna awed as they rode their horses up the dirt road. It stood two stories tall and was wide, plenty of space for several rooms. It was a beautiful home, he agreed. “I am surprised each time I see it,” she breathed.

“As am I,” he said.

Reaching the yard, Torin left Lianna with the horses, Tallin sleeping in her arms. He stepped onto the wooden porch and paused at the door. It was a large door, sturdy ceder wood painted a dark, sleek green. Knocking, he waited. After a moment, the door opened to a woman who had aged. Anille, Torin’s mother, gasped at his arrival.

“Oh, my son!” she perked up. “It has been a while, has it not?” She beamed as she pulled him into a locked hug. “You are so rugged, my son. Tanned and dirty and scarred.” She clicked her tongue against the back of her teeth as she shook her head. “Shan’t be too opposed to a nice, hot bath, aye?”

“Aye,” he chuckled.

Her eyes moved past him to Lianna and she stood back. “My daughter-in-law,” she beamed. “What a pleasant family reunion.” Laughing, she shouted to Lianna, saying, “Come, Darling, I will have Milas handle your things and the horses. Come! Come.”

Lianna smiled, leaving the horses to meet with them. Tallin stirred, blinking heavily as the sun washed over her face. Stepping under the roof of the porch, the baby fell back asleep. Anille gently placed a hand on Lianna’s arm and said, “You look tired, Darling. Come in, I will ready some food for you and my son.”

They walked inside to a cool house with soft scents of cleaning soaps and flowers. “Milas!” she shouted as she led them to the kitchen. “We have some unexpected visitors!”

A man grumbled upstairs as the wood shifted slightly beneath his feet. In the kitchen was a long table, surrounded by six chairs. Anille pulled out a seat for Lianna and gestured to the next one for Torin. “What has brought you to come all the way here to visit?” she asked.

“We have a few things to tend to,” Torin answered as they sat.

“Who’s come?” Milas asked, his deep voice thundering softly like a distant thunderstorm.

He walked into the room, wiping his hands with a towel, black ink staining the cloth. His eyes landed on Torin and Lianna who watched him with large eyes. Milas was a tall and broad man, his shoulders far stronger than either of his sons’. His green eyes matched Torin, but most of the rest of his features were much closer to Davin’s. Torin took after his mother in most of his appearance.

“Well I’ll be...” he shook his head. Finally, a smile broke across his face, the thick scar lining his cheek wrinkled a bit. His dark hair was framed in silver as he finally showed signs of aging. “Welcome, Torin,” he rested his meaty hands on his hips. He looked to Lianna and dipped his head, adding, “Lianna.”

“Milas,” she lowered her head in respect. “It is a pleasure to see you both again.”

“Likewise,” Anille smiled.

Lianna assisted Anille to ready a dinner as Tallin sat in the floor, playing with a doll one of the women had stitched out of scrap fabrics. Torin followed his father out into the yard to bring the horses to the barn. Leaving his packs on the ground, they led the horses across the grass.

“Father...”

“Yes?”

“When was it you’ve last seen Davin?” he was hesitant to ask.

Milas’s teeth clenched slightly, keeping his eyes forward. “Weeks,” he answered flatly “Longer. I do not know.”

“What has happened between you?” Torin asked. Davin was always closer to Milas than he was. He was proud of his eldest son, Davin was his pride.

“He’s...He has become distant,” he answered shortly, though there was more to it than that.

The sun washed over the old man’s mane of hair that was brushed back and tucked behind his ears, fanning up slightly at the base of his neck. “Do you know who Bayton Briknaus is?”

He looked over his shoulder at Torin with stern eyes and said, “You do.” Torin lowered a brow and he added, “Brick, son. It is Brick.”

“Oh,” he breathed. He frowned at the thought. Did he really not remember his old friend's name?

“Why?”

“I had received a letter about...” he paused, reluctant to proceed. “I need to speak with him.”

“It is about your brother, isn’t it?” he grumbled. Reaching the barn, he left the horse behind him and opened the door. Grabbing the reigns once more, he said, “You will do good to address your brother’s conflicts.”

“What is wrong with him?” he grew alarmed. Last he saw Davin, he seemed himself.

“Best to hear it from him rather than secondhand,” he answered. They took the equipment off the horses and left them in their stalls, heading back to the house. Milas pulled their bags to the porch, but sat on the edge of the polished, wooden floor. Pulling out his pipe, he packed it and lit it.

After puffing on it, he sighed long and heavy. “I will tell you, though...” Torin sat beside his father, his elbows resting on his thighs. “I will tell you that even the look in his eye has changed. He used to have a look of determination. He wanted to make a difference, to change the world if he could...But your mother and I could see him slowly change, as if he were being overcome with...difficulties of his own. And in just the last couple of weeks...it has gotten worse...So it is rumored, however.”

“That is why I am here,” he muttered, weaving his fingers together. “You’ve raised us right, Father. I’ll not have Davin dampen your name.”

“I’ll not have it either,” he said lowly.