Page 16 of The War of Four Winters

"Master Gracin let me try the metal shields today!" Torsten announced proudly. "He says I have good hands for smithing."

"High praise indeed," Ruith replied seriously. "Master Gracin rarely compliments anyone's work."

Katyr settled beside me on the bench with easy grace, his golden curls catching the morning light. "We come bearing news," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "A message arrived from Ieduin."

My heart jumped. "So soon? They can't have crossed the mountains yet."

"They haven't," Ruith confirmed. "The message came by falcon from the northern foothills. They've cleared the first mountain pass and expect to reach the Yeutish border in another fortnight, if the weather holds."

"Khulan's knowledge of the mountain routes is proving invaluable," Katyr added. "Though I suspect the journey itself might be... politically productive, regardless of when they arrive."

That drew a smile from me. Khulan's intentions toward Ieduin had been made abundantly clear before their departure. The Yeutish prince had openly declared his interest, much to Ieduin's poorly disguised fascination. "Has he mentioned how negotiations with Khulan are progressing?" I asked, careful to keep my tone neutral despite the boys' presence.

"He writes that they've come to several mutually beneficial agreements already," Ruith replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Though the specifics were notably absent."

"Perhaps we'll end up with a marriage alliance rather than a hostage exchange," Katyr suggested. "It would certainly simplify matters with Kudai."

As if summoned by the mention of exchanges, Lady Altani appeared at the far end of the hall, escorted by one of Taelyn's handmaidens. At fifteen, the Yeutish girl carried herself with a dignity that belied her age, her dark braids adorned with the traditional silver beads of her people. Until recently, she had been Niro's wife, a political marriage forced by Tarathiel that Ruith had annulled upon taking the throne. Now she was Ruith'shonored guest, her presence in Calibarra both leverage and protection.

She caught sight of our table and offered a formal bow in Ruith's direction before continuing on her way. I noticed how Katyr's expression softened slightly watching her. His kindness toward the girl had been consistent since her arrival, perhaps recognizing in her something of his own childhood experience as a political pawn.

"She seems to be adapting well," I noted quietly.

"Taelyn has taken her under her protection," Ruith replied. "They spend hours discussing the northern traditions they share."

"Let's hope her uncle values her return enough to commit his warriors to our cause," Katyr added, his voice carefully neutral. "Though I suspect Khulan's personal interest in Ieduin might prove more persuasive than any hostage exchange we could arrange."

"Can Lord Katyr show us more magic today?" Torsten interrupted. "Master Lentin said we might see the blue flames if we finish our lessons early."

Katyr laughed, the sound bright in the morning air. "Perhaps a small demonstration before your studies," he agreed with a wink in my direction. "If your guardian approves."

"I've learned not to stand between you and an appreciative audience," I replied dryly, though the boys' excitement was infectious.

Leif, quieter as always, studied Ruith with that perceptive gaze that seemed to see more than it should. "Are you worried about Elindir going away?" he asked suddenly.

The table fell silent at the direct question. Ruith's expression shifted, surprise giving way to something more measured as he considered his response.

"I worry whenever family is apart," he said finally, his honesty clearly calibrated for young ears. "But I also trust in Elindir's strength and skill."

"And he'll have twenty of General Niro's best warriors with him," Katyr added cheerfully. "The finest fighters in the realm, except perhaps for the four of us at this table."

Torsten's chest puffed with pride at being included in this assessment, while Leif seemed to consider the information seriously.

"Captain Yisra's ship arrives in two days," I reminded them, keeping my tone deliberately light. "Just a short journey to discuss boring diplomatic matters."

"And then you'll come back," Leif stated.

"And then I'll come back," I agreed firmly.

As we finished our meal, Ruith's attention turned to more serious matters. "The new arrivals are settling in?"

"Three groups came before dawn," I explained. "Twenty-seven in total. Some in rough shape."

"The healers have been working since first light," Katyr confirmed. "Most will recover quickly enough with proper food and rest. Though the continued influx stretches our resources."

"Yet we cannot turn them away," Ruith said firmly. "Not when they've risked everything to reach us."

Leif, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Is that why we're helping the new children in our lessons? Because they're like us?"

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