CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
TYNAN
My eyes slowly moved from crevice to crevice of the hard rock surfaces. All the time I spent within these walls made me think that I would never be able to leave. And now, I have returned to the place that used to be my personal prison. The land welcomed me back as if nothing happened. The home that I hated had offered us a refuge we desperately needed. I used to think of the mass of obsidian rock and the cold, misty air as my own personal enemies, as if this beautiful landscape was contaminated by poison. Despite all the memories, these walls were above it all, above my pain and misery. They were meant to stay here many years after my body became a partof the soil and chilly air, returning me back to where I came from.
“You’ve grown,” Hanoch observed at last and I shifted my gaze back to my brother.
“And you have not changed,” I said.
Hanoch walked further into the spacious office he occupied. I remembered the room used to be my father’s study. Hanoch changed all the furniture and pictures on the walls. I could not help noticing that he removed all the family crests and regalia that had decorated the room when I was still living in the castle.
“I will get to the point. You can stay here, but I am not going to start a war with the council over you.”
“I would not expect you to.” I met his gaze.
“You must understand. There are many people here in Darragh, I cannot put them in danger.”
“I understand. We’re not staying here long.”
“Where are you going to go?” Hanoch asked.
“We believe there’s a way below.”
“What? That’s impossible.” Hanoch scowled.
“There should be a way.”
“You’re really desperate, huh?” He scrutinized my face.
“We are. Do you know anything that could help us get there?” I asked.
A sudden rustle came from the hall and the door swung open, my hand landed on the dagger at my waist. A moment later, a toddler came running into the room, his unsteady,chubby feet turned toward the table, but the boy froze, unsure when he saw me.
“Hey, Toby. Where’s your mom?” Hanoch reached down and grabbed the boy who tried to get himself free. “Let me introduce you to your uncle, Ty.” Hanoch gave a kid a wide smile.
“You have a child,” I said, stupefied.
“Yes. It’s been a while. I have four children. Three girls and one boy.”
“I had no idea.” I watched two of them.
“Yeah. I wish you had visited,” he said.
“I thought . . . sorry.” I frowned.
Hanoch placed the boy back on the floor and I watched him head toward the desk.
“There’s one person who could probably help you with your questions. Sage is still around.” Hanoch picked up the stack of papers, removing them from the boy’s reach.
“He’s still alive?” I watched him in disbelief.
“Yes, surprisingly. Although, he predicts his own death every year. With the amount of liquor he consumes, I don’t know how he’s still alive.” Hanoch turned when the boy threw a paper holder to the floor.
“Is he still in his hut?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Thanks. I will try to talk to him.”
