TYNAN
It was early in the morning when I opened my eyes. Alina’s head was resting on my shoulder, her hair spilt over my chest like copper flames. Her dark eyelashes extended their shadows down to her cheeks. She looked so serene when she slept like that. In the morning light, I could see the faint freckles that dusted her shoulders. I could not help tracing her bare forearm, enjoying the softness of her skin.
Carefully, I moved her to the pillow and sat up on the bed. A new resolution occupied my mind. I had to make Sage talk. He was going to tell me everything I needed today. I had to find a way to protect Alina and the others, no matter what it cost me.
With these thoughts, I got dressed, and after stealing a last glance at Alina, I stepped out of the room.
In the kitchen, I found Victor sitting on the counter with a mug in his hand.
“Good morning,” I said, but he only frowned. “Tough night?” I asked.
“I don’t know what was in that wine Sol’s girl brought.” He closed his eyes as if it was too painful to talk.
I smirked and picked up a piece of toast.
“How can you eat?” Victor wiped his forehead with a sleeve.
“I didn’t get drunk last night,” I responded, pouring myself a cup of coffee.
“Are you going to see Sage?” Victor asked.
“Yes.”
“Do you need help with the building?” Victor peeled his eyes open.
“I’ll be fine.” I said, finishing my coffee.
“Don’t forget today is Hanoch’s birthday.” Victor massaged his shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“They’re planning a massive celebration for him in the castle. Everyone’s going to be there.”
I finished my toast looking out the window.
“I’m sure Alina and Frid want to go.” He winced.
I paused. There was no way in the world I would let Alina go by herself, not with someone like Denis still around.
“I’ll be back before then,” I said, and quickly washed my cup in the sink.
“You seem different,” Victor said.
“Hm?”
“More relaxed or something. I don’t know what’s happening between you two, but it looks like it’s going well,” he continued.
“Tell her I’ll be back soon.” With those words, I stepped to the front door.
When I approached Sage’s dilapidated hut, I quickly discerned that he was not there. His messy bed remained empty, and the fire was long extinguished in the fireplace. I frowned, looking at the furniture, an abundance of dirty rags, and empty bottles were scattered everywhere on the floor.
It was early in the morning and he still had not returned from wherever he was last night. I had a faint idea where a person in constant need of alcohol could get some at almost any hour, and swiftly shifting, I flew back to the valley. Five minutes later, I walked among several early risers who had already started working: preparing wood, feeding livestock, mending fences and roofs. Young women with baskets of bread and vegetables going to the market square.
Crisp, chilly air rolled down from the mountains, sprinkling the road with snow dust as I approached the tavern. It only took me a moment to realize that the door was already locked. I stood by the entrance for some time, contemplating my options. Slowly, I walked back, carefully examining every place a drunk person could go to. At last, I noticed a shed half open, and a leg in an overly worn boot sticking out. The sole was hanging by a thread and the rags of the clothes on the unconscious person made me stop. I leaned in, finding Sage sleeping on top of the hay with a piece of the burlap over his head and shoulders.
I kicked his leg and raised my eyebrow when a variety of colorful swears sounded from under the cover.
“Get up, old man,” I said.
