“And do what?”
He shrugged his big shoulders. “We, Lord d’Refan and I, are in need of someone like you. Someone smart, who can help organize the capital and keep up with the administrative duties while also deciphering some . . . ancient texts we’ve acquired.”
Ancient texts?
That part was inherently interesting, but the other part had me wrinkling my nose.
“So, I’d be some sort of secretary? That seems like a colossal waste of my ‘talent’ as you so called it,” I said derisively.
“Not a secretary, per se, but someone to help me with administrative duties.” My expression didn’t change, and he ran a hand over his face in frustration. “I’m explaining this all wrong. Just come with us and see. If you hate it, you can leave, no questions asked.”
When I didn’t say anything, he blew out his breath and took a step back. “Just think about it. We’re leaving the town at dusk and will camp just outside the woods for the night. If you want to come with, meet us at the edge of the woods at sunrise.”
I tightened my lips and gave a curt nod. He watched me for a moment more before swearing under his breath and striding quickly through the field and back to the village. I watched him go before turning back to Holt’s grave.
“Well that was interesting, wasn’t it?” I sat down, suddenly exhausted and overwhelmed. I pulled my knees to my chest and rested my chin on top of them while I absently picked the grass that surrounded Holt’s grave.
“Who buried you, I wonder? I doubt I’ll ever find out. Not that it matters. At least you have a place to rest. And a view to boot,” I trailed off, lost in thought. “What do I do, Holt? What would you have me do?”
I could practically see his smile and hear his booming voice telling me to go, that I was always made for something bigger than this place. He’d told me that countless times over the years, but I always wanted to be here with him.
“You’ll never leave here, Holt. And how can I leave you, knowing that?”
I’ll always be here, little Fay. You can always come and see me. I’m not going anywhere. You’ll never have to worry about me leaving, I’ll always be here.
Tears trickled down my face again as I imagined his calming words and presence.
“Yeah,” I said thickly. “You’re probably right. But they need me here, too, you know?”
Holt would’ve crossed his large arms and grunted at me while raising an eyebrow.
I sighed, mentally turning away from the conversation and my eyes caught on a large rock just behind Holt’s grave. At first glance, it looked like just a rock. But the closer I got to examine it, the more I felt the magic that coated it. I reached out to touch it, scrambling from my spot sitting on Holt’s grave, and the rock practically vibrated when I made contact.
As soon as my hand grazed the top, a rune appeared.
Sharol.
The rune meant “conceal.”
What are you hiding, Sharol?
I picked up the rock, the rune disappearing from its surface, its purpose fulfilled. Inside the hole was a small bag. I picked it up and quickly opened the drawstrings. When I pulled out the two objects inside, my eyes filled with tears again.
Holt’s necklace.
The stunning clear crystal was burned out, but it washis, and the only remnant I had of him. I quickly slipped it over my head and tucked it into the collar of my shirt before looking at the second object in my hand. It was a letter addressed to me.
I opened it, but it was completely blank aside from two runes at the top. A rune for “time” and one for “place.” I grumbled as I refolded the note, tucking it into the bag and into my pocket. Leave it to Sharol to write a note that would only appear when I was in the right place at the right time.
I replaced the rock before getting to my feet. The sun was high in the sky, and I had a few other things to accomplish today before I could make my way back to my house for a nice bath and clean clothes. Plus, I had to feed Cotton. Poor kitty was probably half-starved and scared to death, if he was even still hanging around.
I sighed and looked at Holt’s grave one last time before making my way back to the village.
“I love you, Dad. Always have, always will.”
Chapter 43
Faylinn
