Arc 2: Chapter 25: Roads Untraveled
Three days later, I stood outside Emma’s manor — or Brenner’s manor, anyway. I leaned against one of the pillars supporting the main entrance’s overhang. In my left hand I held the medallion Vicar had given me, running a calloused thumb over its marred surface. On my right hand, my drow-craft ring sat in its usual place on my forefinger, weighty for something so small. The sun rose over fields still half covered in snow, though it would melt quickly. The premature winter had retreated, at least for a time. True winter wouldn’t be far off.
The door opened, then soft shoes padded down the steps. Vanya paused next to me, wiping at her brow. She’d been working for a day to get the place packed.
“I hear you’ve gotten work at Antlerhall,” I said without taking my eyes off the medallion. “Helping your kid with laundry?”
The maid let out a huff of laughter. “Maybe, for a start. Still…” She turned wistful eyes on the manor. “I’ll miss this place. I liked the quiet. I still don’t understand why Lady Emma has to just leave. I tried to get her to explain, but she kept deflecting…”
She paused, and I knew she hoped I’d fill the silence with an explanation. When I didn’t, she made a frustrated sound. “You and she are just alike, you know that? You wrap yourself in mystery and think it impresses the rest of us.”
“Doesn’t it?” I asked.
She gave me a light shove. “Maybe a bit, in your case. Are you certain you have to leave so soon? I’d be willing to bet Lord Brenner would give you work, if you stayed.”
I snorted. “Because of me, Brenner lost a marriage for his son and a Blood Art for his grandchildren. No, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to stick around.”
In truth, Brenner didn’t know a lick of what was going on. I only felt glad his son had survived, though I didn’t like to think on the broken heart the boy would be dealing with soon enough.
Still, better a broken heart than a share of a lifelong curse.
Vanya didn’t reply immediately, and I glanced at her to find she wore a troubled look. “What is it?” I asked.