Page 43 of Tied to Hope
“Faelan is pretty amazing,” she stated, watching as he played with the dog on the beach.
“Da,” Rytsar agreed in a solemn voice, but then he suddenly burst out laughing when Little Sparrow jumped high in the air and caught the Frisbee between her teeth, prancing proudly back to Faelan, tail high.
“He is the only one I trust to care forVorobyshekwhile I’m gone.”
Brie’s heart ached on hearing him mention how he was leaving again. “So, how long will you be gone?” She kept her tone light, hoping it wouldn’t sound too intrusive.
Rytsar raised an eyebrow. “I know what you are doing,radost moya.”
She looked at him guiltily, unable to hide her concern any longer.
Letting out a long sigh, he said, “I suppose it’s time that I tell you.”
“What is it, Rytsar? What’s happened that is forcing you to leave for Russia so quickly?”
He put his hand on the back of her neck and squeezed firmly. “Go get your Master after the Wolf Pup leaves. I will speak to you both then.”
Brie nodded, but her stomach was twisting into a knot. Based on his tone, she knew Rytsar was deeply unsettled. Her first instinct was to hug him but she stayed still, responding to the tight hold he had on her neck.
Faelan walked in, his hair windblown by the ocean breeze. He looked relaxed and happy as Little Sparrow pranced in joyfully by his side.
Brie heard Rytsar’s quiet sigh and suspected he was already missing the dog even though she hadn’t left him yet.
It seemed as if Little Sparrow understood because, when he sighed, she cocked her ear up and ran to him. She started licking his hand, whining softly.
Rytsar let go of Brie and bent down to pet her. “It’s time to go,Vorobyshek.”
Walking over to Wallace with Little Sparrow by his side, he took Wallace’s hand and placed it on the dog’s head. “Ostat’sya ryadom.”
Little Sparrow whined but obeyed, staying next to Faelan while Rytsar walked back over to Brie.
“It is best that you go now, Wolf Pup, and spare us both a lengthy goodbye.”
“Certainly,” Faelan answered, looking at him with compassion.
“As far as my return, I’ll contact you as soon as I have a set timeline.”
“Take as long as you need, man. You know I like hanging with this girl.” Rubbing her head again, he handed the dog the Frisbee. “Hold this.”
Little Sparrow gripped it in her teeth and followed him out the door but stopped in the entryway to look back at Rytsar.
“Go,” he ordered gently.
Her tail lowered, but she obediently headed out with Faelan as Maxim shut the door.
Rytsar looked at Brie and nodded. “Go get your Master. There is much for us to discuss.”
As soon as Brie was out the door, she ran to their house, bursting through the front door, calling for Sir.
He came out of his office looking concerned. “What is it, babygirl?”
“Rytsar needs to talk with us…he’s leaving!” she cried.
“Leaving where?”
“Wallace just picked up Little Sparrow so he can fly to Russia.”
Sir stood up and took out his phone, dialing it quickly. “Look, the baby is still asleep and I’m unwilling to wait. Can you come here instead?”
