The Heartstone Saga, Archibald Bradford [the snowy day read aloud TXT] 📗

“I am not suggesting that, Matriarch. But surely some of your people might want to see more of this world, for further opportunities for glory, and to stand at my bond-sister’s side and help keep it safe?”

The Matriarch pursed her lips as she pondered the suggestion, looming over the humans around her.

Finally she looked to the tufts of feathers that Escrya had braided into her hair and nodded, if still a bit grudgingly.

“There is some wisdom in this proposal. Many of our young folk would be glad to offer their strength to rebuild the lives of that... creature’s, victims. And to be near to the Dominar and her exalted husband.”

Despite the fact that they had never met, Nameless made an impression on every monster girl on the field that day, including the Matriarch.

Miranda shook her head, feeling the need to clarify.

“He grew up in Kettering, he doesn’t live there. I think he has an apartment in the city. And exalted might be a bit of an oversell, the kid’s dick is big but not that big.”

“You insult him? In front of so many of my people who love him?” The Matriarch asked with incredulity.

Volka’s voice sounded then as she strode into their midst to stand beside Escrya.

“If anyone has the right to, it’s Aegis Holt. She helped to shape him into the man he is. Without her, I would still be trapped underground in my shield and my love would be a nameless orphan living in obscurity.”

The big Amazon immediately bowed, her sheer presence almost seeming to dim in the face of the angel’s.

“As you say, Dominar.”

“Now you’re overselling me.” Miranda complained; “All I did was give him some advice and the occasional boot in the ass.”

Paul snorted in amusement, having given the young man in question his share of both as well.

Volka surprised her then by wrapping her in a hug, the warmth of her golden wings nearly a match for that of her soul.

“Both things that he desperately needed.” She murmured into the gruff woman’s ear before giving her a sudden kiss on the lips and releasing her.

There was a brief silence to accompany a few amused smirks from those that had witnessed the exchange, but then Paul asked the Valkyrie what they were all thinking.

“How is he?”

Volka drew in a steadying breath as she felt the rawness of her husband’s mental state.

“Resting. He will be slow to recover from this. What he went through to save those girls... there is simply no precedent for it. And on top of that it will not be easy for him to adjust to his new situation.”

“My people will aid with this in any way we can.” The Matriarch pledged immediately.

Gone was the cold titanic warrior that Escrya had met in the Darkwood, the Matriarch as smitten with the angel as any of them.

Volka smiled and placed her hand on the Amazon leader’s bicep.

“Thank you. And if I might add my thoughts to this matter, I believe Escrya’s colony idea is a good one. It will be a great comfort to our husband to know that your people are so nearby. He loves them dearly.”

“Who are you kidding? That guy loves everyone dearly.” Jan said with a grin.

“True.”

“Seriously.” She insisted; “It’s a miracle that I’ve never humped his leg!”

“Jan, behave.” Miranda said almost habitually.

With the serious part of the discussion obviously more or less over with, people began to leave to see to their duties, Volka amongst them.

“A moment, Dominar.” Booker stopped her as she spread her wings; “With everything that has happened, with my Yana. I will be stepping down from the Aegis council. She needs me now. And it’s time for new blood to take over anyways.”

It was obvious that it pained the proud man to admit it, but she understood his reasoning. All of the original councillors were dead, and by the hand of his bond-mate no less, that coupled with the injury to his leg during the Ogre raid and it was clear that his days of service to the Aegis were coming to a close.

“I am sorry to hear that, but what-”

“The provisional council and I have already agreed that you should replace me.”

She lifted one eyebrow at him as she waited for him to elaborate.

“We made the decision before we even left Garland. It was unanimous. There wasn’t even really anyone else to consider. You were right about the Aegis: somewhere along the way it became far too reliant on human leadership. And if we have learned anything from this nightmare, it’s that your people were born to lead.”

Her lips pursed in thought and it took her a few seconds to formulate a response.

“Thank you for your trust, Aegis Booker. But I must see to my husband’s wellbeing before I can commit to anything.”

“Of course. It’s a standing invitation, which is enough for now. I’m sure Commander- pardon- Councillor Morrow will follow up with you later.”

“She is welcome to.” Volka agreed, but then smiled suddenly; “Just let her know that even assuming all goes well with my husband’s recovery, I still have some promises that I must keep.”

A bit confused by her words, Booker watched her fly off before hobbling over to Yana and Juni.

The Amazon had not been able to bring herself to meet Volka’s gaze even once.

Chapter 56:

Beginning Again

Having claimed one of the houses in Wayfelt as temporary shelter for her bond-mate, Nina slept next to her hammer in the corner of the bedroom upstairs.

She wanted to be able to defend him at a moment’s notice, but with all of the swinging she had been doing with it lately her murder arm needed a break.

Not far away Ophelia was sitting