A Call to Arms: Book One of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott & SaJa H

Author:Shiriluna Nott & SaJa H. [Nott, Shiriluna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sun and Shadow Publishing
Published: 2014-10-14T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The rest of the day whirled by in such a tangle of celebration and preparation that Gib lost track of time. When he awoke the following morning, his first thought was to look over at Joel, who was slumbering peacefully in his own bed. He looked lovely as always. It seemed a shame he would have to awaken soon.

The sentinel trainee’s stomach rumbled as he became aware of the wonderful aromas hanging in the air. These were not normal breakfast foods. He could smell breads and pies, meats and spices. Gib’s mouth watered and he wondered what could be waiting for them in the dining room.

Feet swinging over the edge of the cot, Joel sighed and blinked his eyes open. A moment passed when Gib couldn’t look away. He was entirely transfixed by those misty blue orbs and began to wonder if he’d ever not be.

Joel rubbed his eyes as he sat up. “I’d thought I was dreaming at first. It took me a moment to realize you were actually sitting in front of me.”

Gib glanced down at himself, still in the borrowed sleeping gown. He winced. “A good dream I hope.” The sentinel trainee brought his hands up to his hair only to find that it was—as predicted—a wild mane that wouldn’t be smoothed no matter what he tried to do. “I’m terrifying enough to be a nightmare right now though.”

Joel chuckled as he rose from his own bed. “Gib, you don’t know how wonderful you are.” He smiled so genuinely that Gib could almost forget the broken, withdrawn boy from the start of the academic year. “I’d venture to say our baths are ready and then we may go eat.”

“It smells like there’s a feast down there.”

“Oh, there no doubt will be. Mother always goes overboard with our Midwinter meal.”

Gib found himself nodding, even though the concept of having too much food was lost to him. “I hope my brothers have plenty to eat today.”

Joel’s handsome face pinched as he winced. “I’m sorry they couldn’t be here. Or that you couldn’t be there. If it were within my power—”

“It’s not.” Gib tried change the subject. It had been a stupid thing to say. Joel shouldn’t have to feel guilty for being born to a wealthy family. Gib tried to right the situation. “Despite our modest means, my family has always done well enough for Midwinter—I didn’t mean to make it sound as though I was being ungrateful. I miss them is all.”

“I know.” Joel’s voice was soothing. “I’m sure they miss you as well. Perhaps when the caravan road clears you’ll be able to send them a letter.”

“I’ll have to. I mean, I’m sure they know why I didn’t make it home but still—” Gib put his hands in his hair and looked out the bedroom window at the snow. “Liza wasn’t able to make it back to them either. She’s on duty.”

“I hope next year’s festivities are more suitable to your family,” Joel responded. The mage trainee had a hard time maintaining eye contact but his words were sincere.

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