Page 72 of The Piper's Pursuit

“You were a child, Steffan. But I understand how you must feel, that you’ve carried this burden for a long time. And I’m glad you’re laying it down now. Your mother and I have already forgiven you. You just have to believe that God forgives you too.”

Mother embraced him, hugging him tight, and Father also put an arm around him.

“We must have a feast,” Father said, “for my son was lost, but now is found.” His voice choked on the last word. And if Steffan’s eyes weren’t exactly dry, then neither were his father’s, so he wasn’t ashamed. Besides, no one saw except Mother.

***

Katerina glanced over her shoulder at Steffan. He was talking with his father as his younger sister, Adela, took her to her room to find her some clothes to change into.

“Here is a chemise for you to sleep in tonight,” she said, draping a thin linen underdress over Kat’s arm, “and here is a dress for tomorrow.”

“I can wear the clothes I have on tomorrow. I’ll be riding back to Keiterhafen in the morning.”

“Riding out again?”

“Yes, we left some children there. They were taken from their homes and now the man who took them wants to kill them.”

“Oh! That is terrible! I am certain that Father will kill that man for you. My father never allows injustice. Is that why you and Steffan came here?”

“Yes. I—”

“Oh! Mother will be so happy to see Steffan again! I hope he is not as angry as he used to be.”

“He used to be angry?”

“Yes, at Father mostly. He and Father used to get into arguments all the time. And Steffan teased my older sisters and made them cry sometimes.” Adela chewed on her lip.

“He doesn’t sound like a very good brother. But perhaps he has changed.”

“Yes, Wolfgang told my mother and father that he had changed. Something happened, I’m not sure exactly what, when they were both soldiers fighting in Poland.”

Katerina talked with Adela while she picked out one of her own dresses for her to wear and helped her lace it up. It surprised Kat that she and Adela were the same age, as Adela seemed so young and innocent and unburdened. Steffan’s sister was so pretty, with her light-colored hair—the same color as Steffan’s—and her sweet smile and carefree manner. As Katerina listened to her, she wondered how she, Katerina, would have been different if she’d lived a privileged life as a duke’s daughter. Would she have been irritable and demanding, like some of the wealthy burghers’ daughters she knew? Or would she be like this girl—guileless and kind, friendly and open?

What she said about Steffan made her heart ache. Life must have been painful for him if he was as angry as Adela said. He didn’t seem very angry now. Now he seemed remorseful and eager to prove himself.

“I hope Steffan is having a good talk with your mother and father.”

“Oh, I am sure they are. He’s been away so long, I’m sure they will be too happy to argue with each other. Do you think Steffan has changed, like Wolfgang said?”

“Well, I didn’t know him before, but he doesn’t seem very angry at all.”Not nearly as angry as I have been.In fact, she had goaded him greatly in the beginning, throwing unfair accusations at him, and he had borne it with hardly a single heated word back at her. “I think perhaps he has changed since he went away a year ago, based on his manner to me.”

“Oh? Have you spent much time with him?”

“Yes. At least, for the last week or two.”

Adela finished lacing up the back of Katerina’s dress. “Can I braid your hair? I love braiding other people’s hair.”

“Of course. Thank you.” Kat sat on a stool while Adela went behind her again and started brushing out Kat’s long brown hair.

“What do you think of my brother?” Adela asked.

“Steffan is very brave. He never gives up. He feels remorse for things he’s done wrong, and he’s very protective of people who are in danger. He is kind and strong and determined. He’s also amusing when he wants to be, but not in a cruel way.”

“I hope he doesn’t drink too much, like he used to.”

“No, I don’t think he likes to drink anything stronger than wine, and he refused to drink in excess with my stepfather.”

“I am glad to hear that.” Adela was gently tugging on her hair as she braided it. She said softly, “You haven’t met my mother yet, have you? I have a feeling we are all going to love you. All done.”