Read Online Avalyne Series 02: The Easterling by Linda Thackeray - Free Book Online Page B

‘Even I am not so foolish to be caught between the two of you.’ He teased knowing perfectly what Aeron was thinking, ‘Astaroth was less bloody then this is likely to be.’
    ‘ You are a true friend,’ Aeron muttered, giving him a look.             
    Kyou laughed and then patted the elf on the arm and said in a more serious voice, ‘be careful, Aeron. You are still my favourite elf.’
    ‘ Why, thank you, Master Kyou,’ Arianne remarked sarcastically as she and Melia joined them. ‘I will not take offence at that.’
    As Kyou stammered to respond, Arianne turned to Aeron. She embraced him warmly, grateful that he was accompanying Melia on her quest but guilty for hastening his departure from Sandrine. It was obvious Dare needed more time than this to prepare for Aeron leaving them but she supposed no amount of time would make this farewell less difficult.
    ‘ Safe journey, Aeron,’ she smiled at him.
    ‘ Take care of yourself and your babe, Arianne,’ he replied with just as much sentiment as he leaned forward to deliver a gentle kiss against her forehead. ‘I hope to see you both when I return.’
    Melia’s guilt at watching the sad farewells taking place before her made her regret allowing Aeron to accompany her to Tor Iolan. The sorrow etched on his handsome face as he prepared to leave his friends for some time was obvious and she wished that he was not so insistent on accompanying her on this journey.
    ‘ Be safe Melia,’ Dare's voice brought Melia's thoughts away from the Prince. ‘Tor Iolan is a dangerous place even with Aeron for company.’
    Although he did not know her well as well as Arianne or Celene, Dare did not forget the how she had rose to the occasional and helped his Queen during their confrontation with Syphia. For that, she would always have his friendship.
    ‘ Thank you’ she replied, touched by the sincerity of his wishes for her well-being. ‘I will rely on the Prince to see me out of trouble.’
    ‘ He is good for that,' Dare grinned sensing more than a little mischief in her tone.
    ‘ Try not to kill him,’ Kyou added as he joined them, wearing an equally mischievous smile after she hugged him goodbye, ‘Though sometimes that princely arrogance warrants it.’
    ‘ I am perfectly aware of that,’ Melia winked, more than accustomed to Aeron as a travelling companion after their last journey together. ‘However I will try to heed your advice.’
    Kyou laughed and allowed Melia a moment alone with Arianne as the hour of their parting was finally upon them. The watch guard and the Queen exchanged a long stare until Melia broke the silence between them.
    ‘ I know you did what you thought was best so do not feel that I am angry with you. You thought of my safety and no one has done that for a very long time. Thank you.’
    ‘ I hope you find what you seek, Melia,’ Arianne's eyes softened with emotion and took Melia's hand in hers with affection. ‘But if you do not find it, I hope you will try to find happiness at least.’
    ‘ I will try to do both,’ Melia replied, hugging the Queen once more. ‘You are good friend, Queen of Carleon,’ she whispered. ‘Please take care of Serinda and give your son a kiss for me.’
    ‘ I will be happy to do both,’ Arianne answered and watched as Melia and Aeron turned to leave Sandrine at last.
    ******
    Neither had a great deal to say to each other once the boat left the dock and took them down the Yantra River.
    Melia seemed deep in thought but made no attempt to reveal why they were journeying to Tor Iolan although Aeron was burning with curiosity at why she was so determined to visit the terrible place. This made Aeron realised that despite his attraction to her, he knew next to nothing about Melia other than she was a watch guard and formerly of Nadira. While he respected her need for privacy, he also wanted to help her and the urgency he saw in her eyes he was nothing to dismiss lightly.
    Unfortunately, since