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“I did what was necessary,” he said, desperate to make her understand. “He dared to touch you. Hurt you.”
She shook her head. “I am well,” she said, despite the blood on her cheek.
He wouldn’t believe that until every last traitor was dead.
He surveyed the wreckage of the corridor. Seven bodies. A few moaned, still clinging to life. “I’ll send a medic down if we have one to spare. Make for the Black Gate,” he ordered.
By the time they reached the gate, Draven’s forces had secured the entry. People bristled at the sight of Hal. It probably had more to do with his brother being roughly the size of a behemoth and green and less with him being nude.
“Will you stay?” Draven asked Hal, placing a hand on his shoulder. Well, as high up on his shoulder as Draven could reach. The friendly gesture caused the crowd to relax.
“No more cage.”
“As my guest. As my brother. I’ve missed you,” he clarified.
Hal’s expression was pained, and Draven saw his older brother clearly. It was the expression Hal wore when he had to explain something very bad to a naïve sibling who wasn’t yet jaded by the world.
People vied for his attention. His priority was to find a medic for Charlotte. Minor injury or not, he couldn’t think knowing that she was in pain. It had to be taken care of if he were to take control of the Aerie back. Hal must have felt some of the same agitation. He shadowed Charlotte, staying near and growling if anyone got too close. Draven approved. He couldn’t have asked for a better guard.
Draven busied himself with the business of setting the Aerie right. He sent a patrol out to sweep for any stragglers. He received reports of casualties. He even sent a medical team down to the restricted levels for the survivors.
A guard trotted up. “Lord Draven, there is a man at the Black Gate requesting admittance.”
“A man?” Draven asked.
“He looks like a traveler. He is alone.”
A lone traveler with dubious timing, in the winter no less, was unusual. Not many ventured up the mountain. The route was treacherous with the snow. Draven had to admit he was curious.
“Let him enter. Be alert. If this is anything but a simple traveler, eliminate him.”
The crowd sprang into action.
“What’s happening?” Charlotte asked, wearing a new bandage on her face. Hal lurked nearby, still acting as her guard.
“We have a guest.”
The gate opened. Hal rushed forward.
“Let him through,” Draven ordered.
People scattered. Soon Hal vanished into the tunnel.
Remorse washed over him. Draven had his brother as his companion in some way or shape for centuries. They were playmates in childhood, friends as adults, and then crewmates on the Endeavor. Then Hal became an accident, a tragic failure he had to correct. Draven became his brother’s captor and tormentor. They had been frozen like that for far too long.
Now Hal was gone. He’d rather face the winter alone than stay with Draven. Forgiveness was too much to ask.
Charlotte reached for his hand. Without saying a word, she expressed compassion. She understood.
A new figure emerged from the tunnel, cutting short his self-pity.
Draven drew the sword, holding it out to greet the intruder.
Snow clung to the man, completely covering his hat and dusting his beard. He wore snowshoes and used poles to help with hiking through the snow. This man had some experience.
His face emerged as he unwrapped the snow-encrusted scarf.
“Luis!” Charlotte exclaimed.
