The Dryad by Dante Silva

Author:Dante Silva
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: love, bard, fey, lyre
Publisher: Dante Silva & Vanessa Mozes

FATHER stood from the table and stretched, massaging his lower back as he walked toward Mother at the kitchen sink. Halfway to grabbing the bowl of boiled potato remains, Julian paused and shot Zacharai a questioning look, but he just shook his head in return.

“I think I’ll turn in early today,” Father said, trapping Mother against the counter to give her a kiss on the cheek. “These long days are taking their toll.”

Her brow wrinkled. “I’ll follow soon.”

“Don’t trouble yourself.” He smoothed her worry lines before turning to his sons. “See you three in the morning.”

Julian collected the linen napkins with his free hand as Father’s footsteps faded and the hallway door snicked shut. Not a moment sooner, Elias snatched the bowl from Julian’s hand and brought it to Mother. She made an approving hum. “You’re going to make some young woman very happy one day.”

“Until he gets tired,” Zacharai scoffed. “You don’t see Father helping around the house. There’s no time for that with a farm to run.”

“He used to help before you three came along.” Her tone remained placid. “Children can be quite a handful, but you’ll find that out soon enough.”

That shut Zacharai up. Julian smiled for the first time since chasing Brin off.

Elias ignored the exchange. “You haven’t told any of your stories in a long time.”

“I didn’t realize you were still interested in them,” Mother said.

“Something reminded me of them recently.” Elias winked at Julian. “When we were little, you often recounted how you serenaded Father.”

“What can I say? It’s a good story.”

“We’ve all heard it a hundred times.” Zacharai set the cups on the counter. “You were traveling through Cloma, spotted Father at the inn, sang him a song with your lyre, and then we showed up.”

“You’re harder to impress at nineteen than you were at nine.” She wiped her hands on a cloth and turned away from the dishes, thoughtful. “Wait here. I have just the thing to interest you.”

When she was gone, Elias turned to Julian. “Asked anyone to the festival yet?”

Julian recoiled. “Will you ever give up?”

“Not until I’ve found someone better to spend my time with.”

“I hope you find someone soon for our sake.” Zacharai chuckled.

Julian rounded on him. “And what about you? Have you worked up the nerve to ask Iris?”

“How would you know about her?” Zacharai glared at Elias. “Besides, she hasn’t worked up the nerve to ask me to dinner yet.”

“Maybe she would if you agreed to help wash the dishes,” Elias said.

“You’re one to give advice.”

“What about you, Julian?” Elias pressed with a sly smile. “I'm sure you have a secret or two up your sleeve.”

“You spend time around the girls when you're working in town,” Zacharai said, crossing his arms. “What would you suggest, little brother?”

Julian sank in his chair. “Follow Mother’s lead and sing them a song to win their hearts.”

“Well said.” Mother bustled into the kitchen carrying an old scroll case. Holding it up like a torch, she grinned. “This, my sons, is a map of my adventures.

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