The Eynan by Gibson L. S

Author:Gibson, L. S. [Gibson, L. S.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fantasy
ISBN: 9781611244496
Published: 2013-07-17T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

It felt strange, unreal, as Jhond rode along the drive to what he once thought of as home. It hadn't been all that long since he'd left, but somehow his sense of the place had completely changed. He no longer felt he belonged.

Ninian and Amired rode on either side of him, as if perhaps they felt he needed their support. His mount had slowed to a walk by the time they reached the front door. They dismounted, and Ninian held the horses' reins as Jhond approached the door. He stood staring at it, wanting to knock, yet afraid of his reception.

"Jhond," Ninian said gently.

Jhond nodded and reached out to knock.

The door opened almost at once. "May I be of assistance, gentlemen?" The voice paused and then asked, "Master Jhond, is that you, sir?"

"Yes, Blanel."

"Oh, sir. The family will be--" Blanel stopped, perhaps thinking he was overstepping the mark.

The horses were led away as the servant showed Jhond and his guests into the house.

"Is Father home?" Jhond asked.

"Not at present, Master Jhond. I believe he is attending court."

Blanel moved toward the door to the family room, but it opened before he reached it and Rhou walked out, glancing over his shoulder and calling to someone inside. "I'm sure, Mother, so please don't--" He stopped mid-sentence, his mouth dropping open as he stared at his brother.

Jhond stepped closer, taking a breath. "Rhou," he said cautiously, stretching out his hand.

Rhou's mouth snapped shut and he stared at Jhond's hand for an instant before he took it. "It really is you," he whispered.

"What is it, Rhou?" a voice said from inside the family room, the person obviously coming closer. Jhond instinctively held tight to his brother's hand as his mother stepped through the door.

"Rhou, why did you-- Jhond! Oh, praise be to the Lords! Jhond." His mother launched herself at Jhond, wrapping her arms around him, pulling him away from Rhou. "Jhond, thank the Lords, you've come home, I was so worried. Are you all right?"

"Yes, Mother," Jhond said. He kissed her cheek and gently moved out of her embrace. He didn't know what to say, how to behave. He felt so confused. He glanced around. Blanel was gone and he guessed the servants would now be aware of his return. Rhou and his mother were just watching him, waiting for him to say something. He met Ninian's gaze and was warmed by the confident look in his friend's eyes.

Just then, the front door opened and Jhond's elder brother, Tiran, and his sisters entered, chattering and laughing. The sight of Jhond silenced them for a second, until with hugs and more questions than he could absorb, they surrounded him.

"Please, please," Jhond murmured.

Ninian stepped up and said, "Jhond has been through a difficult time and he needs space."

"And who might you be?" Rhou challenged.

"Rhou, please?" Jhond said.

Ninian ignored Jhond's comment and answered Rhou. "I'm a close friend of your brother and have been travelling with him since just after he left home."

Jhond spoke up. "Please, Rhou, everybody, can we please sit down? I'll introduce everyone.

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