Page 41 of Quest of Fools

Warf shifted gently to settle them more comfortably on the settee he'd taken—he thought that was what this thing was called, anyway—and drew the blanket hanging on the back of it over Marian.Across the room, the children were still as they slept.Marian's breaths were warm and steady against his neck.The crackling of the fire contrasted with the soft tinking of ice against the window.

Everything was peaceful and quiet and right.

Home at Last

Everything looked familiar and strange all at once.He still knew every street, every alley, recognized many faces as they traveled through Low City, but everything looked smaller too.He supposed months away from the only place he'd ever known would have that effect, but it was still strange.

"Almost feels surreal," Marian said.

"It does," Warf replied.

Next to him, Kaltin said, "I can't believe I'm not in chains."

"I might be by the time I finish going through all my neglected correspondence," Marian added with a sigh."It will take longer to clean up the mess I left than it did to make it in the first place."

"Nobody made the mess but Clarkson."

Marian made a face and said nothing, brow drawing down as he lost himself in his brooding again.Warf let him be for the present; he'd coax Marian into a better mood once they were home, if the girls didn't do it first.

Home.They were back in the city, but it still didn't feel like they were really, trulyhome.

Once the weather had sufficiently cleared for them to travel, Marian had organized horses, a carriage, and carts for all they wanted to take back with them and would need along the way.The journey home was infinitely more comfortable than the journey to rescue Marian.Kaltin had also been teaching him to read and write, with Marian assisting.Warf was still a long way from proficient, and he'd probably never be great, but it was more than he'd ever hoped for.Between his betrothed and his assistant, he was acclimating to his new life far more easily than he'd expected.

Well, sort of.The real tests would present now they were back home.One step at a time, and at the moment, the only step he cared about was finally seeing his girls.Marian had somehow arranged for someone in the last village before they made the final ride home to go ahead of them and let his staff know they would be arriving the next day.

His heart began to race as they crossed the holy bridge and began the final leg.So close.

As if sensing his thoughts, Marian reached out a hand toward him.Warf took it, squeezing gently, matching Marian's smile."Can't believe we made it, all the way out, and all the way back."

"I still can't believe you went to so much trouble for me," Marian said."I've had months to get used to it, but I will forever be awed and humbled that you fought so hard for me, a man you barely knew."

"I knew enough, and I wouldn't have left you to her torments anyway."

When they reached the intersection that would take them home, Warf gave a soft laugh.They really were almost there.He turned right, taking the sharp curve up a steep hill until it leveled out and there, at the end of the street…

Was a crowd of people waiting, including his daughters.Once he was close enough, Warf dismounted and ran to them, sweeping up Kalla and Pika, who were screaming 'Daddy' and sobbing into his shoulders.Warf's eye stung."Never again," he said, kissing them both over and over."Daddy will never leave you again, I promise."

Carrying one in each arm, he joined Marian and the others in greeting Isambard and Rath, who was holding little Rosi."They've all gotten so big while I was gone," Warf said."Thank you both, so so much.How has everything been?"

Rath smiled."Just fine, Warf.There was a bout of sniffles that made everyone cranky, and people dropping by like vultures, but other than that, not a whisper of trouble.Your daughters are darlings."

"I can never repay you," Warf said.

"There's nothing to repay," Isambard said firmly."When we received word yesterday that you were almost home, we caused a ruckus at dinner.I've never taken so much satisfaction in telling my parentstold you so, and I don't care if they're still cranky with me.Welcome home, both of you.Where is Lady Clarkson?"

Marian replied, "Should be at the castle by now, escorted by Viletti.And here comes the carriage."As it drew to a stop, he went and opened the door, helping Alliana out before catching up Tam, who shyly buried his head against Marian's shoulder.In Alliana's arms, Pitina was fast asleep.

"Your Highnesses," Marian said, "I present to you Mistress Alliana, a friend we met on the road who will be remaining with us indefinitely.Alliana, I make you known to Prince Isambard and his promised, Prince Rathatayen."

"Rath, please," Rath said with a smile."I'm not actually a prince yet.I don't know why they keep calling me that."

Isambard rolled his eyes.

Alliana had gone pale, her eyes wide."Mercy of the Fates, meeting royalty, and me looking like a vagabond.Your Highnesses, it's an honor."She tried to bow, then seemed to remember she was still holding a baby, fumbling awkwardly until she was standing securely again.

"You have beautiful children," Isambard said with a warm smile that made Alliana flush."It's an honor to meet you.Any friend of Marian and Warf is a friend of ours."He looked to Marian and Warf."Mother and Father have invited you all to dinner at the end of the week.I'll send the exact day and time when we have them.Bring the children as well, anyone you like.They have apologies to make and they know it."

Marian shook his head."It was perfectly reasonable to think I'd run off."

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