Cordery by Aiden Phoenix

Author:Aiden Phoenix [Phoenix, Aiden]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

New Start

The next morning the column of Terana refugees and dwarvish prisoners wound its way out of the mountains.

The pace was only as fast as the slowest of the small carts capable of getting up to that mountain valley, and so all the mounts, even the raptors, were loaded down with goods to ease the backs of fifteen hundred people walking on foot. Even so, most of them were loaded down with heavy packs as well, or dragged sleds piled with goods.

Dare was no exception. He was burdened to the limits of his strength with goods from Nirim Manor that they'd taken with them during the evacuation. As were most of the household staff and even many of the villagers.

Ireni, Leilanna, and Marigold rode in one of the carts with most of the babies, perched on the soft bedding to protect them from jostling. Trissela rode with Soli's small travel tank in another cart, covered by a tarp to protect her fair skin from the sun. They regularly doused her with a bucket to keep her from getting too dry.

The rest of the family and staff, along with Dare's party, walked around the carts, helping with the babies and struggling under burdens. The residents of the outlying villages walked around them.

For someone used to traveling at least the pace of a fast horse pushing hard, and often dismounting and running or riding a raptor at car speeds, the pace was agonizingly slow. But Dare didn't mind a bit as he walked with his family, making plans and expressing their dreams for the future.

Since they were going directly to Terana they bypassed Nirim territory. But as they did Dare dropped off his burden and excused himself to check on the fox girl twins. He'd been mildly worried they weren't at Gurzan's Last Hold, even though they'd said they'd only go there if they had to.

Still, he was overwhelmed with relief when he ducked through the concealed entrance of their cozy little den, calling his arrival, and an overjoyed Seris bounded down the short tunnel to throw herself into his arms, kissing him soundly.

Selis arrived at a more sedate pace, carrying a sleeping Elien, and Dare gently pulled her into the embrace. He eagerly accepted a chance to hold his sleeping daughter, staring down in wonder at her beautiful little face as the fox girl twins eagerly pulled him into their den, where Darga and Trias were cooing softly on the bed.

Seris retrieved Elien, setting her in her cradle, and Dare took the opportunity to hold each of his sons as the sisters peppered him for information about what had happened in the last few weeks.

“We saw Nirim Manor,” Selis said, big velvety ears drooping sadly as she hugged him from behind. “I'm sorry you lost your home.”

Seris nodded. “After that we checked that dwarven ruin you told us about and found dwarves there!” She nuzzled Darga as if soothing him. “Is everyone all right?”

“There all fine,” Dare said, stroking the midnight fox girl's ears.

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