Into the Darkness by A.M. Rycroft

Author:A.M. Rycroft
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dark fantasy stories, epic dark fantasy, grimdark, grimdark fantasy
Publisher: Mighty Quill Books
Published: 2018-05-18T00:00:00+00:00

39

Tynan stepped forward, still hooded, and took Dahna’s hand in both of his gloved hands. “I am Darius, dear lady. I met Aeryn in Valis a short time ago and have been honored to make her acquaintance, as I am now honored to make your acquaintance.”

Dahna blushed. “So charming, sir.” She winked at Aeryn.

Aeryn rolled her eyes, both at his pretentiousness and his use of his middle name rather than his first. For the sake of anonymity? That was unlike him.

Dahna looked next at Theo. “And who is this young lady?”

“I’m not a lady. Just Theo,” the young thief replied. An insolent look slipped easily into place.

Dahna glanced at Aeryn before she commented, “You’re so young. Your parents don’t mind you traveling with Aeryn, Theo?”

Theo shrugged. “My family’s dead.”

Aeryn opened her mouth to reprimand Theo, but Dahna cut her off first with a laugh. “Fair enough. Welcome to you both. Please, come in.” She turned away and headed for the main house before Aeryn could protest.

She followed after Dahna and repeated, “We cannot stay long. We have urgent business in Morghall.”

Dahna smiled at Aeryn, but she saw the hurt in her aunt’s eyes as she led them into the high-ceiled receiving hall. “You have not been back here in nearly two years, and now, you are running off again?”

She opened her mouth to reply, but her aunt shook her head. “I heard you: urgent business. So much like Derrick.” Looking to Tynan, Dahna asked him, “Can I have Corinn take your cloak, Darius?”

“No, thank you,” the dead man replied politely. “I have been unwell and would rather keep it for the warmth, Lady Dahna. I hope you do not mind.”

“Not at all,” she replied. “There’s been many illnesses going around of late. All the rain we’ve been having, I suppose. Well, what about you, Aeryn? Theo?”

Aeryn shook her head, but Theo nodded and slipped out of her cloak and handed it to the waiting butler. Both of them looked uncomfortable. Corinn took the dirt-spattered cloak without comment and then turned away and left the hall. Dahna then led them into a sitting room with bright rugs and ivory-colored furniture.

Tynan took a spot on a long couch near Dahna, while Aeryn stayed standing, but Theo looked afraid to sit on the furniture. Dahna said, “Oh, fear not. If the furniture gets soiled, we shall just upholster them again. I enjoy changing the colors every so often anyhow.”

Once Theo chose a chair, Dahna asked Aeryn, “Since it is clearly not to visit with your family, to what do I owe this visit, my dear?”

“Like I said, we have a need to restock our supplies, if you don’t mind sparing some food for our travels.” Aeryn knew her aunt did not, but asked out of politeness. She was starting to wonder if it had been a bad idea to stop here, but she had to know her aunt was safe. “Also, I need some information. Have you noticed anything unusual around the city lately?”

“Of course, you can have whatever you need.

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