Of Seekers and Shepherds: Children of the Younger God, Book One by G.H. Duval

Author:G.H. Duval [Duval, G.H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-10T22:00:00+00:00

Sixteen

“Heed the presence of cycles so as to know when to repeat them. And when to break them.”

–Helig Ra’d, Teachings of the Great Shepherd

As evening descended in full, Spring found herself waiting outside the main entrance of the Steading. She was dressed in a gown that had been a gift from Lady Hevlin: a dress of heavy brocade, green of course, with shimmering silver ribbons of satin that crossed her body at the bust and hips. She had needed Anleah’s help in donning it, which had caused her to comment on how strange it was to make a garment that the wearer could not wear without help. Anleah had explained that aristocratic young ladies have attendants to assist them in such matters. Accompanying the gown was a cloak, lined with fur, that Spring had originally thought rather indulgent. As she stood quite comfortably in the cold evening air, however, she was doubly thankful for the gift.

As punctual as ever, Jayden arrived in a carriage at the precise time he had promised in his earlier note to her via Missive Station. A footman held the carriage door, and Jayden emerged. He wore a crushed velvet doublet so dark it appeared black, but hints of the deep forest green could be seen as he moved in the torchlight. Thick leggings ended in shining black boots, and his cape draped from his shoulders. The sight of him left her breath sticking in her throat.

He bent over her hand, brushed it lightly with his lips, and stood to regard her in that still way of his. She flushed—hoping that he would not see the full effect in the lamplight—but managed to maintain a steady gaze. Playfully, she bobbed a curtsy and murmured, “My Lord.”

He did not return her playful tone.

“You are beautiful, my Spring,” he said, his voice deep as he turned and pulled her arm through his. She almost giggled at the gesture as they were, literally, three strides from the carriage. Instead, she returned his compliment as they moved into the carriage.

“And you are as handsome as ever.” He is in a mood, she thought. She wondered if he, too, was concerned about her first formal meeting with the two men who steered his life: his uncle, the Duke she’d never met, and his father, with whom she’d only shared few words in passing.

In short order, they moved off from the Steading toward Duke Hevlin’s home. Spring enjoyed the marked change from the almost silent slate roads to the steady clip-clop of the cobblestones of the city proper. Though the roads were well maintained, and oil lamps burned at regular intervals, Spring could barely make out the city beyond the carriage’s window. She resolved to spend some of her rest days away from the Steading to immerse herself in all the capital had to offer. Of particular interest to her was a bakery that specialized in something called, “cocoa,” a delicacy from Senechal. Dirk had taken Anleah there and both had been raving ever since about the treats that had cost them their full allowance.

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