Roo took off his travel cloak and sat down, motioning to Duncan to do the same. “Rosalyn!” he shouted. “We need wine!”
Nathan shook his head. “Rosalyn’s not here. I’ll get us a bottle.” As he stood, he said, “There’s a lot to be talked of, it seems.”
A moment later he returned, with Milo the innkeeper a step behind. The innkeeper said, “My Gods! Erik! Roo! You’re alive!”
Erik and Roo both exchanged a glance, then Roo said, “Well, it was a secret, wasn’t it?”
Nathan said, “Are you hunted?”
Roo burst out laughing. “No, Master Smith. We are free men, by the King’s own hand. And prosperous ones, as well.” He jingled his purse significantly.
Nathan pulled the cork of the wine bottle he carried and poured a round of drinks while Freida regained consciousness. She blinked and said, “Erik?”
“Here, Mother.”
She threw her arms around his neck and started to cry. “We were told you were tried and convicted.”
“We were,” said Erik softly. “But we gained our pardon and were set free.”
“Why did you not send word?” she asked, a slight note of reproach in her voice. She touched his face as if uncertain of his substance.
“We couldn’t,” said Erik. “We were in the Prince’s service and”—he glanced around the room—“we were not permitted to let anyone know. But that’s all in the past.”
She shook her head slightly in amazement. She touched his cheek, then kissed it. Resting her head on his shoulder she said, “My prayers are answered.”
Nathan said, “She prayed, lad.” He wiped away a tear. “We all prayed for you.”
Roo saw that Erik’s own emotions were starting to rise, but Erik forced them down, never having been one to show his feelings openly. Roo took a deep breath, suddenly feeling self-conscious over the moisture gathering in his own eyes.
Erik asked, “What of you? How are you?”
Freida sat back and took Nathan’s hand. “There have been changes.”
Erik glanced from his mother to the smith. “You two?”
Nathan smiled, “We wed last summer.” Then his expression darkened. “You’ve no objections, I take it?”
Erik let out a whoop and leaned across the table and seized his stepfather in a bear hug, nearly knocking the wine over; only Roo’s quick reflexes saved it. “Objections! You’re the best man I know, Nathan, and if I could have named my father, it would have been you.” Sitting back he looked at his mother with an unashamed tear rolling down his cheek, then he took her in another bear hug and said, “I am so happy for you, Mother.”
Freida blushed like a bride. “He came to me and was so sweet when you fled. He saw to my hurt every day, Erik.” She touched Nathan’s cheek with more tenderness than Erik could ever remembering her showing anyone, including himself. “He made me care again.”
Slapping his hand on the table, Erik said, “We celebrate!” To Milo he said, “I want your best bottle and a meal tonight to embarrass the Empress of Kesh!”
“Done!” said Milo, his own eyes glistening with emotion. “And I’ll only charge you cost.”
Roo laughed. “You haven’t changed, Master Innkeeper.”
“Where’s Rosalyn?” said Erik.
Milo and Nathan exchanged glances and Nathan said, “She’s with her family, Erik.”
Erik glanced around, not understanding. “Family? You’re her father—”
Roo reached over and took his friend’s arm. “She’s with her husband, Erik.” He looked at Milo. “Is that what Nathan’s saying, Milo?”
Milo nodded. “Aye, and I’m a grandfather, too.”
Erik sat back. His emotions were in turmoil. “She’s had a baby?”
Milo looked at Erik. “That’s a fact.”
Erik said, “Who’s the father?”
Milo glanced around the room and said, “She married young Rudolph, the baker’s apprentice; you know him?” Erik nodded. “He’s now a journeyman and will set up his own ovens soon. She’s living with his family, over by the square.”
Erik rose. “I know the house. I want to see her.”
Freida said, “Go slowly, son. She also thinks you’re dead.”
Leaning over to kiss his mother again, he said, “I know. I’ll try not to scare her to death. I want her to come tonight.” Then he added, “With Rudolph.”
Roo said, “I’ll go with you.”
Freida squeezed his hand. “Don’t be long, else I’ll think this all a dream.”
Erik laughed. “Hardly. Roo’s cousin Duncan will charm you with tales wondrous and improbable.”
The cousins smiled. Nathan looked at the handsome Duncan and said, “He’ll not be charming her too much, I’m thinking.”