Chapter 202: Children Of The House Of Mendel
It was already dark when Jethru and Lara arrived at the Mendel’s estate. When Sandoz and the twins, Ivan and Ivy, heard the horses neighing, they eagerly ran to the gate to welcome their grandfather and sister Lara.
"Grandpa, Sister, why were you gone for so long?" Ivy pouted, her doe-like eyes misted, and Jethru’s heart melted.
He lifted her and twirled her around. The experience of being eagerly welcomed at the door was a new one for him, and his heart warmed.
"Grandpa, please set me down! I’m not a kid anymore; I am a big girl." Ivy exclaimed, trying to sound serious, but her laughter bubbled over, echoing through the narrow alley, warming the early evening chill. She wiggled playfully in her grandfather’s strong arms, squirming a bit as she added, "I think I’ve gotten too heavy for you to carry!"
"Whose heavy? You are still my little girl." Jethru lifted her higher, and a shrill scream came out of Ivy.
Lara smiled as she watched the heartwarming scene. Her master had changed so much, but for the better. He became a little less stern but only to the others, not to her.
Sandoz and Ivan were well-behaved and stood at the side, though both had a longing look on their faces. They wanted a hug from their big sister.
Lara was adept at reading faces. Sandoz and Ivan were like an open book to her. Their big eyes were expressive. She approached them in light steps and gave them a quick hug before ruffling their hair.
"Sandoz, I’m sorry. All the rabbits had escaped," Lara said after fixing his disheveled hair. "But I caught something better, for each of you."
Sandoz’s eyes, which had suddenly drooped, widened. "Can I see them?" He asked excitedly.
"Let’s go inside first," Lara said, holding each boy’s hand and entering through the gate.