Page 50 of Ties of Legacy

Avery was glad he had because she wouldn’t have put it past Frank to peck him.

“He’s a little surly,” she explained.

“Clearly!” Frank said. “When is he leaving?”

Avery gave a snorting laugh. “I was talking about you, wretch. And I’m afraid he’s not leaving. He’s my current traveling companion.”

“What?” Frank took off, launching into the air and flying circles as he cawed his displeasure. “The horse is bad enough.”

“I know you love Nutmeg,” Avery said with a grin as she settled back on the rail.

“She can’t possibly lovehim,” Elliot muttered.

Avery chuckled. “It’s probably more accurate to say they both tolerate each other.”

“While both loving you,” he murmured. “Why am I not surprised?”

Avery flushed slightly, turning her head away in case he noticed.

“Throw him back and eat him too,” Frank shouted down at them.

Elliot’s mouth dropped open. “Is he trying to say…Actually, I have no idea what he’s trying to say.”

“I’m fairly certain he doesn’t either,” Avery murmured. “He’s particularly bad at well-known sayings and expressions.”

“Frank,” she called firmly up to him, “you don’t have to like Elliot, but no pecking.” She directed a stern gaze at him as he circled past. “If you hurt him, you won’t be able to travel with me.”

“Outrage! Insult! Sacrilege!” Frank turned, flapping away over the river.

“Don’t worry. He’ll be back,” Avery said.

“Oh, I wasn’t worried.” Elliot shook his head. “So did you name him Frank, or did he come with a name?”

“That was me.” She grinned. “It fits, doesn’t it?”

“I could think of a few better-fitting options,” Elliot muttered.

“You’ll get used to him,” Avery said placidly. “I did. Now I would miss him if he didn’t show up when I’m in Glandore.”

“Yes, but he likes you.” Elliot grimaced. “I think Frank is an acquired taste I could do without.”

By the time the city arrived, Frank had returned, flapping his wings in distaste and muttering to himself. Avery and Elliot both ignored him, however, caught up in the excitement of unloading.

When Nutmeg was led out of her stall and down the gangplank, she whinnied, tossing her head and prancing as if happy to be free. Her lively stepping slowed, however, when Frank flew down and landed on one of the packs strapped to her back.

She turned her head to look at him, whuffing out a breath that might have been a greeting or instructions to be gone. Avery hugged the mare. She always missed Nutmeg when they weren’t together.

Avery had only visited the distant cousin who kept the roving merchant family records once with her parents, so it took some effort to remember the way. But eventually, after several backtracks, and one particularly lengthy detour, they arrived at a door she recognized.

“Are you sure this is it?” Elliot asked, gazing up at the multi-story house that appeared almost identical to the row of houses on either side.

“Yes, this is the one.” Avery spoke with confidence. “Now that we’re here, I definitely remember it. Plus, look at that.” She pointed at a small symbol etched into the wood of the door above the handle. It was subtle enough to be barely noticeable, but she easily recognized the branching arrow symbol of her people.

Elliot must have been familiar with the symbol too because he accepted her evidence, stepping back slightly to allow her to undertake the initial greetings. She knocked energetically, listening for the sound of footsteps from within. But the door flew open without warning.

The woman inside looked older than Avery remembered, the odd gray hair dotting her otherwise thick dark hair. But she had to be only twenty-five or so years older than Avery, younger than her aunt and uncle.

“Avery! This is an unexpected visit,” Matilda said, catching Avery by surprise.

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