Page 173 of Of Iron and Moonlight

“How exactly did the Ashfell Quiett assist Lemierre?” Nelayne began as they resumed their seats. She leaned forward and rested a hand over Merrick’s.

Duncan recounted the food shortages, Kora’s suggestion to seek someone discreet and reliable, and the way Merrick’s network had moved goods where official routes had failed. When he finished, Nelayne fixed Merrick with a sharp look.

“I trust you did not promise away half the duchy in concessions.”

Merrick laughed outright. “Our duke is far too shrewd for that. Your coffers will survive intact.”

“I intend to confirm that personally,” she muttered, though the edge had softened.

Rhalen shook his head, amused. “And what have you done with yourself these past years?”

Merrick smiled, mischief returning. “I felt an urge toward a less respectable profession. I followed it.”

Isander scoffed.

Nelayne gave Merrick a look, then swatted his arm. “I never did believe all the stories about you.”

Merrick’s expression sobered at that. He relented, albeit slightly. “I traveled. I wanted to see the land my family came from. Life is different when you are no longer under a duke’s protection. I learned to stand on my own.”

“We would have helped you,” Isander said, speaking for the first time since his arrival.

“Who said I needed help?”

The air cooled as silence took hold.

Rhalen cleared his throat. “We will not dig up old ground. Tonight is about reunion.”

“If only Garriden and Corwin were here…” Nelayne said softly.

“I miss them every day,” Duncan admitted quietly.

“As do I,” Rhalen said. “You five were a trial beyond reason, but you filled this house with joy.”

“Do you remember the incident at the hunting cabin?” Nelayne asked with a sly wink.

Isander groaned under his breath.

“The fishing net torn to pieces, the lantern overturned, the entire creek silent the next morning because you frightened off every creature in it.”

“We were building a trap,” Isander protested.

“You set the riverbank on fire.”

“That lantern fell,” Isander countered, pointing at Duncan, “because someone panicked at a frog. And Garriden abandoned the net to chase Corwin into the woods.”

“It was not the frog,” Duncan said. “It was Merrick placing it in my boot.”

“It was a respectable frog,” Merrick replied with dignity.

Rhalen rubbed his white beard, laughing. “Mud from hoof to heel and you all swore innocence.”

“I did attempt to confess,” Merrick said. “I thought perhaps one culprit might spare the rest.”

“It was painfully clear you were all involved,” Rhalen said, chuckling.

Even Isander laughed then. Duncan caught a brief, unguarded glance between the brothers and felt a subtle shift, some distance easing.

“Good boys,” Nelayne murmured, almost to herself as the room quieted again.