Page 22 of My Eternal Light
Aldrya laughed merrily and the entire garden in the courtyard burst into bloom. “How many millennia has it been since children played and sprites flew in my garden?”
“Uh.. About five,” Meryn said, looking baffled.
Amelia shook her head. “Remember our lesson about rhetorical questions.”
Meryn nodded. “Yes, and I still think it’s dumb to ask a question you either know the answer to or don’t want to know the answer to.”
By now the children were completely entranced by the sprites, running around happily chasing them from one side of the garden to the other.
“Is it just me or do the sprites look healthier?” Neil asked.
The queen nodded. “That is what I meant earlier. I’ll explain now.”
She pointed to the children. “Before the war, before all of the madness that followed with the murders of House Alina, the Eirsons were known and sought after for being the caretakers of the sprites. After they were exiled, the sprites took up homes around the city in gardens where they could find them. The Eirsons were also prized artisans, though most of what they created revolved around the sprites. The house designs we utilize today were created by them.”
She shook her head sadly. “After the Great War, Oron’s father felt like he was being slighted because he incorrectly believed that people thought poorly of him for the decisions he made in battle, but it was his own guilt that drove his paranoia. No one truly blamed them. They were craftsmen, not warriors.”
Aerson stepped forward. “I want to create, not destroy.”
Cody and Cana hopped around. “Us too! Us too!”
The queen pulled the two smaller children into her arms. “Then I will make sure you have whatever you need to do so. With this colder weather, the sprites need you now more than ever.”
A clucking noise had them all turning toward the garden entrance. Cord stood, hands on hips. “The children have been out here long enough. They need to eat more, then get ready for bed.”
“I’m not sleepy,” Cody protested, then yawned.
Cord’s expression softened. “It is early, but you all have been through a lot today. Just eating a full meal will have you feeling more tired than usual. For tonight the warriors have set up what they call ‘blanket forts’ in the sitting area. The cushions have been warmed and are quite cozy.”
“Warm,” Cana sighed blissfully.
To the child, they marched in obediently past the watchful squire. Cas and Priest followed them inside to feed them another meal and get ready for bed. Once they had turned the corner, Cord looked back to the group in the garden. “Leo and Eion will be here shortly to get House Eirson back in order, but I fear we still need supplies for the children.”
Kincaid stepped forward. “I can go,” he volunteered. “When Ame and Yuki arrived, our units stripped Éire Danu of anything a child might need. I’ll head to Monroe and grab stuff.”
Meryn walked over and pulled him down by his ear. “Ow! Meryn.”
She whispered the single phrase. “Ryuu and Felix,” then handed him her Bag of Wishes. “I only have enough brownies in Auntie’s kitchen to last me through tomorrow, so hurry back.”
Kincaid felt his mouth drop. He was holding a rare fae treasure. “Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yeah, like, how else you gonna get all the shit home?”
“Fair point.”
“Wait,” Ari said, holding up his hand. “Why does he get to go?”
Aiden raised an eyebrow. “He probably has the most experience with children than nearly everyone here.”
Kendrick chuckled. “Even I have heard of the Bayberry Babies, when I was living in Storm Keep. His mother is somewhat prolific.”
Kincaid felt his cheeks begin to burn. “I haven’t heard that term since coming to Éire Danu.”
“You have brothers and sisters?” Meryn asked.
“Three sisters and two brothers,” he answered.
Neil winced. “That’s why you joined up as a unit warrior early isn’t it. One less mouth to feed.” He pointed between him and Nigel. “Same with us at the orphanage, that and we had nowhere else to go.”