Page 109 of The Ranger

When they entered the room, every eye fixated on them. He walked straight to Major. “With your permission, I would like to call on Maida tomorrow.”

Major gave him a hard stare, followed by the same sort of sigh. “Very well. But... you will be chaperoned. Atalltimes.”

Markhel tried not to look amused. The man was only looking out for his daughter. But she was safe with him, and though Major didn’t know it now, Markhel was far better able to protect her from harm than he was.

“As you wish.” Markhel turned to Maida. He still couldn’t believe they’d made it through the evening unscathed, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t suffer later. The Call was different for each couple, and one never knew how it would manifest.

“You’re leaving then?” Harrison asked.

“Yes. It is time.” Markhel nodded at the rest of their company, and they go to their feet.

“We thank you for your hospitality,” Vale said. “Dinner was wonderful.”

“Yes, it was,” Makama said. “Thank you, for everything.”

Markhel knew what she meant, and hoped the Cookes realized the significance of what the evening had brought. Namely, the strengthening of the bond.

Harrison mumbled “goodnight” as Major walked them to the door looking like he wanted to slam it on them with a firm, “good riddance.”

But being the southern gentleman he was, he told everyone good night and closed the door softly behind them.

Markhel imagined him sagging against hit and praying he never saw any of them again. But that wasn’t about to happen, and he hoped and prayed the rest of the bonding went smoothly, for all their sakes.

* * *

Makama watchedMarkhel climb onto the wagon seat. Lany sat next to him with Tylahs, while she and Vale climbed into the back with Kitty.

“Well, that went better than expected,” Vale said with a happy smile.

“Eventually,” Makama corrected. “But I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet.”

“She’s right,” Lany said. “But kudos to you Markhel for being a gentleman and holding together. Bravo. Now if you could just keep it up, we might get through this.”

Markhel eyed the Lord Councilor. “I will try.”

Lany eyed him right back. “Try harder.”

Makama breathed a sigh of relief. The only one in their group that wasn’t wound as tight as a piano string was Kitty. But this wasn’t her first rodeo, and she’d been here before.

“What?” Kitty asked when she noticed her staring.

“I’m sorry,” Makama said. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“I bet. This is your first time meeting your dad’s family?”

“Yes, and I wish it had gone smoother, but I didn’t come here just for me. I want to see Markhel joined.”

“We all do.” Kitty said.

Makama glanced at Markhel as he got the wagon moving. Melvale was driving the other wagon by himself, and she didn’t wonder if someone should be riding with him, but maybe he wanted some time to sort some things out.

They set off, crested the rise, and not once did Markhel look back. Hmmm... “Markhel, did you strengthen the bond?” Makama asked, curious.

“I believe so.”

She sighed. “Did youtalkto Maida?”

“Yes.”