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by LockandKey on Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:22 am
Alysander carried Isla the few short steps to the tavern, then set her inside after Gareth opened the door. He looked back for a moment at Isaac, who held the reins of both horses and looked a little lost. He’ll be alright.
They followed Gareth up a flight of stairs which had a banister that was none too sturdy, then down a short, dark hall to the last room. The merchant withdrew a key from around his neck and inserted it into the lock, then let them in. He closed the door behind them soundly.
“Alysander,” he said, still uneasy. “What’s going on here? Did ye come all the way here just to ask for this woman’s seal skin back?”
Alysander shook his head. “No, I came for another reason, but I do hope ye’ll give her the coat back. Ye see, I found it on the rocks near the beach and didn’a see her around. She turned up later after having a bit o’ a rough encounter with Wallace. The skin’s a family heirloom. She has no money, but since I gave it to ye, I’d like t’ take it back.”
Gareth looked at Isla in surprise. Was this real, or had the pretty woman before him somehow conned his cousin? He could hardly tell Alysander that she couldn’t have the skin, either way. Alysander had given it to him to trade for something more useful. Whatever he’d gotten for it would have gone back to Alysander anyway. If he wanted it to give to the woman beside him, it was his choice.
Gareth turned and went to the corner of the room where he’d left his trunk. In it he carried most of the wares he’d traded for and would take back home. He opened the trunk and pulled out the skin. He’d rolled it tightly, but now he unfurled it, admiring the sleek skin once more before hesitantly handing it to Isla.
She’s going to take that skin, and I bet he’ll never see her again. I’ve never seen him turn into a fool over a woman before. I wonder if he’s in love with her. He looked at Isla shrewdly, trying to read her. She looks anxious. She’s itching to be on her way. She’s got what she wants now.
“Now, why’d you come?” he asked Alysander. “Ye came an awful long way, since I’d be back in a couple o’ weeks anyway.”
Alysander’s jaw clenched and Gareth frowned. What was wrong with him? “Gareth, it’s Rhiannon,” the large man started. Gareth felt his heart plummet.
“Is she okay?” he asked, panicky.
“Rhiannon’s fine,” Alysander assured him. “But... Gareth, she had the babe a few days ago, and he didn’a make it.”
“Oh...” Gareth was shaken, and he sat on the edge of the bed, wringing his hands. Rhiannon had had two miscarriages before, and those had been very hard on her. She’d never lost a child after carrying it for nine months though. His wife had been so happy when he’d left, and so healthy. He’d been sure he’d come home to find the house filled with joy, and one more child. “I’m... I’m glad Rhiannon is alright.”
He was, though it was hard for him to feel glad about anything at that moment. He felt a big hand come to rest on his shoulder and looked up to see Alysander. “You should go back home as soon as ye can. She needs ye there with her.”
Gareth nodded mutely. Right now he was in shock. Later that night, when he was alone, he would let himself grieve. “Thank you for coming all this way,” he murmured. Alysander patted his back consolingly. “I need to leave. Now.”
Alysander started. “There’s only a couple o’ hours till sunset. Ye should wait till tomorrow, Gareth. I’ll ride with ye.”
“No, I’ll leave tonight. I’ll not waste anymore time.” He stood from the bed and began to pack his things. “The room is paid for already. You can stay here if ye like.” He removed the key from around his neck and handed it to Alysander.
“I thank ye, but are you sure I cann’a convince ye to wait?” Alysander asked. Gareth shook his head.
“No, my wife needs me.” With a grunt he lifted the heavy trunk. Alysander opened the door and let him through, then followed him down the stairs.
“Gareth, be careful. There’s a battle going on in Lochcarron and they’re taking hostages in the woods. It’s a longer route, but go around the forest.”
Gareth nodded, grateful for the instruction. “I’ll see ye back home.” The two men embraced in a brief but tight hug, and Gareth disappeared onto the street, walking toward the stable.
Alysander turned and looked at Isla. “Ah. Well, ye’ve got yer skin now. Shall I... take ye to the beach?”
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