“I’d rather discuss it inside, actually,” Valor said looking back at the house.
“I have a fairly good idea as to why you are here. Father warned me to expect a visit from you,” Lord Arovan said as he approached. Unlike his more refined comrades, he climbed the rail of the corral, removed a filthy glove, and offered his hand to Jala. “My name is Micah. Don’t bother with titles or last names. I don’t care much for them. It’s nice to meet you and congratulations on your marriage,”
Grasping his hand gently she smiled. “Nice to meet you Micah.” She released his hand and he swung both legs over to rest on the top rail of the fence.
“He wants his majority funds, Honor,” Micah explained and Honor looked at his brother skeptically.
“The gold bit wearing through and you need a new platinum one?” he asked dryly.
“Actually I want it in form of food and lumber,” Valor replied in the same dry tone.
“For what?” Honor asked incredulously. “That would be a lot of bloody lumber, Val. Do you have any idea how much you have in your majority fund. You know if you take it now you will have nothing left in Arovan.”
“I’m not going back to Arovan,” Valor replied and silence filled the yard. The only noise was the heavy breathing of the grey mare.
“You not coming home, Uncle Val?” Devony asked, breaking the silence. Her wide blue eyes were locked on his face and her lower lip was beginning to tremble.
“I will still come to visit as I already do, Angel. Don’t get upset. I’m just going to build a new home somewhere else when I decide to leave Sanctuary,” Valor said in a soothing voice and kissed the child on the top of the head.
“Where?” Honor asked raising an eyebrow.
“Somewhere else,” Valor replied vaguely and shifted in his saddle.
“Oh that’s golden, Valor. Does father know?” Chastity asked, shaking her head.
“Not as of yet. But I will tell him soon,” Valor said, the confidence in his voice failing for the first time since Jala had met him. It was becoming more obvious by the moment that he was the youngest of the siblings.
“Leave off and give him what he wishes,” Micah said bringing the attention of all three of the Hai’dia children to him. Despite the ragged clothes and dirt covering him, he managed a demeanor of authority well. “Father has already contacted me and told me that Valor may do something of this nature and to support him. I do not question the High Lord of Arovan, do either of you?” He flicked his gaze from Honor to Chastity and they both shook their heads looking sufficiently reprimanded.
“I can have it done by next week Val, just give me a list of what you want and I’ll have it shipped to Sanctuary,” Honor said, his tone subdued.
“I want to know where you plan to live,” Chastity pressed, gaining a dark look from Micah.
“That is his business not ours,” Sebastian said mildly, wrapping an arm around his wife’s waist.
“I do have something for you inside, Valor. My father sent it with his compliments,” Micah said, dropping down from his perch on the fence. “Give me a moment and I’ll fetch it.” He moved past them in long strides, headed for the manor.
Honor watched him go and then locked his eyes on his little brother. “What’s going on?” he demanded, once Micah was out of ear shot.
“Spill it,” Chastity said, adding her stare to her brother’s.
“Love, I really don’t think we should …” Sebastian began.
“I don’t get involved when your people start their growling Bast, don’t get involved when I’m cornering my family,” Chastity said cutting him off.
“He isn’t going to tell you anything right now. He can’t. You will know soon enough. Don’t press him,” Finn broke in, coming to Valor’s rescue.
“He would tell you if he could,” Jala added with a frown.
“Mysterious,” Honor murmured and flicked a gaze at his sister.
“Is Finn about to get you killed?” Chastity demanded.
“No, that’s ridiculous,” Valor said, rolling his eyes.
“I try to only get myself in dangerous situations,” Finn said calmly.
“Like dueling Kithkanon,” Valor said dryly. Both of his siblings turned and looked at Finn in disbelief and Jala watched Valor sigh in relief.
“Are you insane?” Honor demanded.
“When?” Chastity asked, her voice equal parts disbelief and interest.
“Two days from now. Give me a few hours and the entire city will be talking about it. You should stop by. It will be quite the fight,” Finn said casually and smiled at them both.
“You are going to die,” Honor said slowly, drawing the words out.
“I never lose,” Finn objected mildly.
“You are about to,” Chastity said.
“I won’t,” Finn said firmly and gazed past both of them as Micah approached. He carried a letter in his hands and even from the distance Jala could make out the array of seals on it. There was no doubt it was an official document.
He stopped nearby Valor and handed the letter up to him. “I’m not sure what it is regarding but father was adamant about me getting it to you as soon as I saw you next,” Micah said and took a place on the rail once more.
“Finn is going to fight Kithkanon,” Honor blurted, once the lord was seated.
Micah regarded Finn thoughtfully and nodded. “When? I’ll place money on you,” He said calmly.
“What? Finn is obviously out-classed here,” Chastity said her tone filled with disbelief.
Micah shook his head and smiled down at Chastity. “Finn has more tricks up his sleeve than anyone gives him credit for. He is one of the best I’ve ever seen with a sword and Kithkanon is predictable. Finn will win,” He said with true belief in his words.
“See, Micah has faith,” Finn said with a smirk.
“By the Aspects,” Valor said in a breathless tone. All eyes turned to the knight whose gaze was locked on the open document before him.