Ruein: Fires of Haraden: Action/Adventure Necromancy Series (Books of Ruein Book 2), G.O. Turner [little bear else holmelund minarik txt] 📗

through to the other side. Apparently, the guests had given the scruffy ditchdigger her own space.

She gave Ruein the once-over. “Did you have to bring the shovel?”

“It blends better than a tall glaive,” answered Ruein.

Liv pursed her lips. Her head wavered a bit before she turned and sidled up to her sister-in-law. With their backs to the canvas wall, they focused on the crowd.

“Was beginning to think you weren’t coming. It’s been a score of days,” said Liv.

“Five.”

“Shit. Felt like more.”

“Thought you’d appreciate not having me casting a pall over things.” Ruein tipped her head closer. “Necromancy…it has that tendency.”

Liv side-eyed her. “There you go being all helpful. Did that extend to showing your appreciation to the wizard? He is a Daerun, you know.”

“I did see him off. We parted ways after the Antillus Range. He opted for the long way around the city.”

“Were his hands any better?”

Ruein recentered on the crowd. “I can’t undo my inflictions. Best for the good Lord Tam to suss how he chooses to place them.”

Damn straight. Lord Tam was as responsible for their loss as he was in correcting it. Though Liv wanted to pummel the red wizard, she couldn’t overlook how he’d redeemed himself. And at the cost of his friend Whiskers. Still, Vandraport was not his land of Thae. Better he takes his lessons home with him.

Liv sighed. “Despite this…lie of appearances, I’m glad you’re here.”

The twins darted out between the Sarrisons and Merwoods. Arim gave Nayr chase as they wiled ways between the collection of leggings and dresses. No one cast an ill eye. Rather, smiles followed their hijinks in and around.

Though eased a bit, a concern popped into Liv’s head. “Please tell me you found the time to mop up the treeflet. I’m not about to have our little ones seeing that—”

“Aequen’s home has been wiped anew. There’s no blood, no stains. I’ve disassembled the traps. They will not know,” Ruein reassured.

“Hold up.” Liv waved for her attention. “That is your home now. Aequen left instructions with the Commercery. Anad passed the writs along to us. His treeflet was—”

“—given to the Khorana family.”

“And you are family. I can think of no better place for our little hobgoblins. When Arim and Nayr are with you, they stay at your home.” Liv turned back to the guests. “The Lord of Light and Truth smiled down upon you. I’ve faith he was the one who made it possible for you to hold your children again. Embrace that. Doesn’t matter what you think. You’re their mother. Kaea and I will keep them schooled most of the week. Days of rest are…with…you.”

Ruein’s neck cricked as she slowly gazed toward her. The sound shivered down Liv’s back. She shunted out the sensation, ignoring Ruein’s look in favor of the room.

“It’s your home.” Liv sniffed. “Try not to burn it down.”

“It is all…an adjustment. A new way of…” Ruein’s gaze fell away to the ground beneath her.

Liv followed Ruein’s study of the dirt. There was no need to finish that sentence. She understood. There was no coming back. Their ‘lives’ were never going to be the same. While her god’s implied acceptance of her sister-in-law was apparent, this was something new for her Lightbringer caste.

Yellowed blades of grass fluttered from a gust.

What more could she say?

The awkward silence fed the void in Liv’s chest. She looked about as the attendees made the steady shuffle toward the exit. Liv’s niece appeared amidst the throng.

Arim stumbled backward. There was a look on her face.

Liv followed her gaze. At the exit, a stooped-over woman was conversing with Nayr. Thin fingers ran over his head, combing through his brown hair. She pinched his chubby cheek.

Glancing back, Liv checked Arim. Was that…nerves?

Liv took a step forward and reached back. “Rue?”

Her sister’s hand clenched in response. Right. Ruein. “Snap out of it.” Liv scowled. “What’s with Arim?”

“Don’t know.” Ruein prodded Liv closer, scanning ahead as they approached.

Taking a knee, Liv reached for the little blonde girl. “Hi there, cub. What’s the matter? Why’re…”

Arim brought her hand up. Eyes fixed, jaw slack, she slowly raised a finger to the woman before Nayr. Pulling her stare away, Arim cast worry toward her auntie. Liv locked onto her nephew. Nayr smiled and waved back.

The woman before him righted herself and promptly departed.

Ruein made to move toward the boy. Scooping up Arim, Liv grabbed for her sister before she passed beyond reach. Ruein shot her a look.

Liv glared back. “He isn’t going to know you. To him, you’re just some…ditchdigger.”

Together they made for the rear of the tent. Liv clutched at Arim, softly asking, “Look here, what’s got you all a mess?”

The girl hid herself into Liv’s vestments.

Once at Nayr, Liv bent to settle Arim onto her feet. She took in the boy. Nayr was his usual self. His eyes aimless, not focusing on anyone in particular. He seemed pleased, fumbling his fingers around themselves.

He noticed Liv, which brought on a full grin as he raised a hand. “Auntie…sweet!”

Nayr opened his fingers for her to see. A red candy wobbled in his palm. He went to pop it into his mouth only to be intercepted at his wrist.

Something else caught Liv’s notice, a smudge upon his backhand. She drew a thumb across and rubbed her fingers. It was wet…and red. Liv smeared the remainder from his hand. No cuts or scrapes.

“What that?” Nayr asked.

What else could it be? Liv showed Ruein the blood between her fingers.

Ruein launched herself through the tent flap, brusquely flying past exiting guests. Nobles glared at being jostled.

Liv plucked the sweet from Nayr. His eyes turned plaintive. She brought it to her nose. It hinted at cinnamon and spice, a hard candy, sure enough. Liv pocketed it beneath her robes all the same.

“Aww. She give,” Nayr whined.

“Who gives? Do you know that woman, dear?”

Nayr’s head dipped. He shrugged and kicked at the dirt. “No. She…” His voice trailed to an inaudible hush.

Liv leaned in. “Say again?”

Nayr whispered to her ear, “…nice to me.”

Gods.