Land of Wind and Salt by M. J. Padgett

Author:M. J. Padgett [M. J. Padgett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MJ PADGETT BOOKS LLC
Published: 2023-08-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Kestrel

Daybreak was a curious bird but not as complicated as Roe. His teasing made her wonder if his feelings for her were more than friendship, but she was too afraid to hope or to ask. This man of honor and direction, however skewed those traits might become thanks to her, was not a prize she would have thought easily won, so she stowed her own feelings for another day. She would simply revel in his attention and wait longer to pour her heart out.

“Something bothers you,” he said, gently stroking Daybreak’s head.

“I suppose I wonder whatever made you develop any sort of kindness towards me. I am a Lachlian, and it isn’t as though I’ve been kind to you all these years. Yes, I saved your life, but it still seems a bit much to join me on this mission that could lead to death.”

“Firstly, this mission isn’t only to avenge our families. It’s for the people of Vivaine, and it is a cause I am drawn to as well. Perhaps you sparked the idea, but it feels right to me. Secondly, you haven’t been unkind all these years,” he insisted, but she was sure her expression called him a liar. “Well, you were less unkind than, say, Praxon?”

“I suppose there is the small matter of my brother, but if we are friends, I must ask you to tolerate him for my benefit.”

“Kestrel, look at me,” he whispered, turning her face to his. “I know this feud disappearing in a blink seems unreasonable, but what if it was never ours? What if it died with our fathers, and that is that? It’s what I want, at least. I came for you, didn’t I?”

“It was a debt owed.” She pursed her lips.

“It was more than a debt owed. Gabriel, my cousins, and I came for you because it was the right thing to do, Kestrel.”

“Praxon said… that the men were…”

“I took no joy in it, but I did kill them. We killed them. We gave them a choice, but they refused to release you. They fought, and there was no chance under the heavens that I would let them have you.“ His dark hair was still blood-slicked, and she needed a bath herself, but Praxon on board the ship was no small matter. “You needn’t question this. Whatever feud we had between us is gone now. It might take time, but there is no reason to fall back into old habits. Your brother is welcome on this ship so long as he minds his place and agrees to peace between us, which he seems eager to do.”

Kestrel smiled and petted her bird. She didn’t know what to think about Roe’s admission, but it felt right. Perhaps the feud was between their fathers and previous ancestors, and it could end with them forever. She had been prepared to do so herself and was sure Praxon would agree. What an odd feeling to have something so ingrained in your mind no longer exist.

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