Of Eagles and Dragons, The Children of Kyne, Vol. IV Options

[Kane]

Act I

Prologue (4E 230)
Emperor Titus Mede II is dead. Convicted of Treasonous Sedition against the Empire and a Vassal State, the Elder Council cast his Writ of Execution with a unanimous vote on Loredas, the 1st of Last Seed, in the Two-hundred thirtieth year of the Fourth Era. The High Chancellor Anilay Cato was chosen to oversee the day-to-day administration of the crumbling Mede Dynasty, and the former head of state himself was hung from the gallows on Green Empire Way in the Imperial City for all to see.

It was a time of uncertainty in Cyrodiil, for there was yet to be a clear successor to the Ruby Throne, and rumors of Colovian and Nibenese warlords arming up to seize power for themselves were beginning to circulate among the populace. Many citizens of the Heartland secretly wished the Dragonborn king of Skyrim would lay claim by birthright, but so far there had been little news from the northern kingdom.

And with a patience born of long life, the Thalmor diplomats were content to watch quietly from their Embassy while their handlers ruled the Third Aldmeri Dominion with an iron fist. Altmer agents moved about in the shadows to sow discord and discontent wherever possible and worked tirelessly to keep the Empire from once again rising to prominence.

-----

Queen Penolore of the Summerset Isles strolled through the botanical gardens of Alinor with her royal retainer in tow. The ultimate ruler of the Aldmeri Dominion, Penolore reigns supreme over the Altmer of her homeland, the Bosmer of Valenwood, and the Khajiiti of Elswyr with an unrelenting grip. The Thalmor operate solely under her command, bringing order to her subjects and extending her reach over the rest of Tamriel. But on this day, she felt only contempt for the ineptness of the organization’s recent failures in combating the rise of a new alliance of power to the north.

The shrill fops in her retainer had followed her from the palace, prattling on endlessly about matters far beneath her station in a constant bid to curry favor with the monarch. Seeking a measure of peace and quiet, she finally had enough of the bickering for one day. Penolore came to a halt and raised a hand in warning.

“Shut up. All of you will shut up now or I shall have you thrown from the highest tower of my palace. Begone from here if you value your meaningless existences.�

They fell silent in deference to their queen and filed out of the gardens as quickly as possible. Not a single one of them were keen to be present for her wrath should it need to be unleashed upon whichever poor soul tarried. Only a single Altmer remained, clad in the traditional dark robes of the Thalmor.

“Have you more to say, Lisotel? I would have thought your inability to carry out even a single assassination of those miserable whelps to the north would have stayed your sharp tongue. Tell me what value you could possibly still offer your queen when others have been flayed alive for failures of a far less magnitude than your own.�

“I only offer news that our agents deemed relevant, milady.�

“Very well. Spit it out and remove yourself from my sight.�

Magistrate Lisotel hesitated for the briefest of seconds. It would have to be today of all days that he was assigned to her retinue, and a message from Solitude should arrive to their headquarters by carrier eagle. Penolore was already in a foul temper after his Thalmor compatriots failed to squash another uprising in Anequina, and now he was poised to deliver more unwelcome news to the surly queen.

“It is with great regret that our field agents in Skyrim report the return of the High King’s son to the Blue Palace. He apparently was spotted in the city yesterday morning in the company of an unknown Breton woman. Where he had gone or what he was up to over the last thirteen months is still a mystery, but we fear his arrival and reintegration with the royal family will push the king to finally issue a claim to the Ruby Throne.�

The queen had stooped down to examine a budding rose stem while Lisotel spoke and she snipped it free cleanly from the stalk with her pruning shears as the words tumbled from the Magistrate’s overworked mouth. It slipped free of her grasp, fell to the floor, and Penolore ground it to a pulp with the heel of her boot.

“Tell me, Lisotel, have we not discussed the merits of tending to one’s garden on many previous occasions? See how easily that is done? Pruning an errant growth is a simple task that is abundantly important in maintaining a healthy growth; one of which I know your Order is easily capable of facilitating. I am granting you a second chance to do as I have ordered. Should you fail once again, the citizens of Alinor shall bear witness to your entrails displayed upon the ruins of Crystal-Like-Law. Return to me when the task is completed, and not one second sooner.�

Bowing his head graciously, Magistrate Lisotel took leave of the queen. Penolore continued to care for the overgrown rose shrub, snipping off stray stems with malicious intent.

-----

“What news from Chorrol, Brother Cassian?�

“High Chancellor,� greeted the courier. “Brother Indus’ scouts report little movement from the camps deep in the Great Forest. If they have anything planned, it will likely not be for some time. Indus suspects they are having trouble recruiting loyal men for the cause. Of course, this would all be a lot easier to verify if we are given leeway to operate more independently.�

Anilay Cato set down his quill and pushed aside the letter he’d been penning. This wasn’t the first time Cassian had made a similar remark, and the chancellor was beginning to grow weary of reminding the man just how delicate the situation in Cyrodiil really was. A stronger hand may be required soon.

“This again? We’ve been over it many times already, Brother Cassian. I’m giving you the most resources I can without drawing scrutiny from the elves. If they discover the Blades have secretly been reformed, the Dominion will bring war to our doorstep immediately. Do what you can with what I have given you and let’s not speak of this again. There are plenty of other men who would love to be in your position.�

Brother Cassian recognized his dismissal and saluted smartly as he turned to leave. Anilay continued to stare absentmindedly at the door long after it had closed behind his captain. He again found himself wondering if reforming the Blades had been a wise move on the council’s part. The endgame of the it made sense to all involved, but Anilay felt the interim risk was too high, and he’d unsuccessfully pushed to have the vote temporarily stayed.

“Too late now,� he said to no one in particular. And with a heavy sigh, he returned to his unfinished letter.

There was another knock on the door and it took all of his restraint to not fling the quill at it and berate whomever deigned to bother him again. “Come in!�

An elderly Breton woman with long gray hair tied back in a ponytail, poked her through the partially opened door and saluted. “Is this a bad time, sir?�
“No, no, come on in, Delphine,� said Anilay. “Forgive my exasperated tone, I just got done reminding Cassian of our straits and I fear that I shall never finish this correspondence.� He rolled up the parchment and set it aside until the next day. “What can I do for you?�

“I’d like to request something of you.� Delphine entered the study and took the recently vacated seat across from the High Chancellor. After she settled in, Anilay gestured for her to continue. “Might I be sent back north to Skyrim? I know the High King from our time together during the Dragon Crisis, and I may be able to get a better read on his intentions than some of our other agents have.�

“Oh, really? But as I understand it, your time working together did not end well, no? As I recall, he asserted his authority as Dragonborn over you and walked away from your efforts to rebuild the order. What makes you think he’ll let you into his court after all these years?�

Delphine frowned. She hadn’t expected Anilay to be so well versed on her prior dealings as a rogue Blade in Skyrim. Truth be told, her efforts to kickstart the Blades, along with Esbern, in Sky Haven Temple had crumbled to dust after Kirin Windborne had walked away from them. Further recruiting efforts failed, and the wizened lore-keeper succumbed to illness not five years later. For her part, Delphine had faded into obscurity as a farmhand in the western Reach.

“Heard about that, did you? Well, you’re right in that there’s no guarantee, but I don’t know what else I can offer the Blades, sir. I’m old and my days of fighting are long since passed. This at least feels like something meaningful I can contribute.�

“I see,� replied Anilay. “And would you be up for such a journey, Delphine? Autumn is settling in over Skyrim and our men at Cloud Ruler have reported the Pale Pass is already under several feet of snow. It will not be easy going.�

“I’ll manage.�

The High Chancellor studied her for a moment and then he grabbed a new roll of parchment and dipped his quill in fresh ink. He scribbled away while Delphine waited patiently for his decision, wondering where fate would take her next. She had been so hesitant when the rumors of former Blades officers being brought back into the fold were swirling, and it wasn’t until Brother Cassian himself had tracked her down to a small plantation near Karthwasten that she allowed herself to believe they were true. The reality didn’t truly set in for her until she was assigned a room at Weynon Priory, on the outskirts of Chorrol, and asked to advise the younger Captains leading this new iteration of the fabled organization.

Anilay finished writing his new orders, signed, and stamped the bottom with an Imperial Seal before wrapping it up and handing it to Delphine. “Deliver this to Brother Cassian and return to Cloud Ruler with him to begin your preparations.�

“Thank you, sir,� said Delphine. “I’ll keep in touch.�

“A bit of advice, if I may?�

“Sir?�

The chancellor dug around in his desk for few seconds until he found the dossier he was seeking. Flipping it open, Anilay slid out a sketching of Cain Windborne and handed it to the waiting Breton. “If the High King offers resistance, try speaking to his son. I’ve met the man personally and he’s wise, clever, and kind to a fault. Not to say that his father is an ignorant old man, but sometimes younger eyes see things differently. I’ve gathered that Cain is back home in Solitude after being abroad following the death of his fiancé.�

Delphine bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. Everyone in Skyrim had heard about his loss, and people across the province had mourned for the young woman from Stonehills. There were even gossiping commoners in the taverns at night saying she had been pregnant at the time, but that was never officially confirmed by the High King’s court. If It were true, Delphine didn’t fault him at all for taking some time away, even if his whereabouts were a mystery.

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir.�

“Excellent. Take care on your trip, and dress warmly. I expect a letter by carrier bird as soon as you get settled in at Solitude. You’re dismissed, Delphine.�

Anilay watched her depart and then he glanced back over at his unfinished letter. Deciding it could wait until the morning, the chancellor left his office in search of a strong drink to end the day with. He wasn’t entirely convinced allowing Delphine to intrude on the High King’s court was a good idea, but he’d expected answers from Kirin Windborne for some time now, and was rewarded with nothing.

If another week passes like this I shall have to contact Cain myself. Perhaps the man would be willing to visit me in person.

The White-Gold Tower still bustled with activity in the evening hours, and so Anilay elected to don his commoner clothes and seek a drink at Luther Broad’s, instead.


This post has been edited by Kane: Jun 26 2025, 03:16 PM

[Acadian]

Cain vs Linneá in a mock blade matchup. That will be interesting! Discussing the background of some of those weapons was a neat way to review more of the family’s past adventures.

Then back to Gwyn at the palace. Well, a book and some brandy didn’t help. How about an elf-child? I love the way Salihn so effectively melted away Gwyn’s protections. In fact, I join Gwyn in wondering if Linneá and Serana were not behind this ploy to lure Gwyn to lunch.

Very high heels will indeed help – a little – when Gwyn joins those tall Nords! So will standing next to Salihn.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 22 2025, 08:27 PM

[Kane]

Then back to Gwyn at the palace. Well, a book and some brandy didn’t help. How about an elf-child? I love the way Salihn so effectively melted away Gwyn’s protections. In fact, I join Gwyn in wondering if Linneá and Serana were not behind this ploy to lure Gwyn to lunch.

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Chapter V �" The Warrior’s Dance

“Is that still your intention for Cain?�

“Aye that it is, mum,� said Kirin. “I just hope his relationship with Gwyndala doesn’t offer any resistance. I’ve no doubt my son will perform his duties to the letter, but I worry that her, uh, anxieties will hold him back.�

Serana, who had been helping Lydia clear the table, returned to her seat just in time to admonish Kirin. “That’s not fair, dad. I get the feeling there is a lot about Gwyn that we don’t know, and it’s not right to hold her feelings against her. Cain cares for her. And he trusts her. Both of those things are enough for Elle and I, and they should be enough for you, too. So what if she isn’t as outgoing or confident as we are? Not everyone is the same; and some deal with their thoughts and emotions in ways others will never understand. You need to come to terms with the fact that Gwyn isn’t Anska. That Anska was so well-adjusted after being dealt her lot in life was remarkable in and of itself, which doesn’t bode well for whatever did happen to Gwyn in the past.�

Kirin looked slightly taken aback by her firm defense of Gwyn.

Kyne had listened to Serana’s remarks with a growing smile and nodded in agreement by the time she had reached the end. “Serana’s right, my child. You can’t make that claim until we know more about what makes Gwyn tick. And, even then, you shouldn’t. Not everyone has the mental fortitude to deal with everything this world can throw at one person. But I think she’s stronger than we all suspect, and that, given enough time, she will surprise us.�

With a touch of red now tinging his cheeks from embarrassment, Kirin took a pull from his tankard of mead and went to help Lydia in the kitchen instead. “No need to kick a man while he’s down, mum,� he remarked in passing. “Daughter already made sure I knew where the doghouse was before you shoved me in and bolted the door.�

Grabbing his arm on the way past, Serana glanced up at him with a reassuring look. “Don’t sweat it, dad. None of us are used to this sort of thing. I’ve just had a lot of time in life to dwell on things like empathy and understanding. I made a promise to myself long ago to not end up like my parents, and while the world and those in it did their best to stamp that out of me, Elle came along at just the right time to remind me that there are good people out there. We just need to show Gwyn that she’s found some.�

“I know, I know,� said Kirin. “Forgive me, I just have a lot on my mind.� Serana let go and he shambled into the kitchen to deposit a few mugs into the washbasin. Together with Lydia, he helped to clean up the mess from lunch while Kyne and Serana chattered away over stemless goblets of warmed brandy.

The bright blue skies outside of Elysium were beginning to grey over once again with another impending storm front on the horizon, and soon after the dishes were washed and set to dry, all four of those still inside made their way to the training area out back of the house. The scene that waited them offered two very different styles of preparation. Linneá had changed out of her moccasins in favor of a set of studded leather boots, and was sparring with one of the practice dummies to loosen her muscles.

Cain sat off to the side in the unkempt grasses, legs crossed and eyes closed. His chest rose and fell in steady, measured breaths. A placid expression of serenity graced his features. One could assume he was attending worship at a temple to the Divines, rather than preparing for a duel of blades. Not even the sounds of new footsteps approaching, the welcoming cries of surprise and happiness, rushed conversations, and a gentle voice whispering in his ear swayed his concentration.

“I’d say good luck, but I don’t think you need it,� said Gwyn, quietly. “I still remember the way your sword danced through those hapless bandits in Wayrest like a silver blur. Linn doesn’t know what’s about to hit her.� She kissed him on the cheek and went back to stand with Serana and Salihn.
“How’d you end up with this little monster, Gwyn?� asked Serana. “I took her to school well before you woke up this morning.�

“She popped into your library and gave me a small fright,� said Gwyn, still holding the elf child’s hand, “said her teacher ended class early.�

“Oh? That doesn’t seem likely. Hang on a sec…�

Don’t bother asking; you already know the answer, Linneá whispered into her mind.

How did you manage that?

I asked Grist to visit the school while you were checking on Cain and Gwyn. I had a feeling she’d end up wanting to be here with him, but knew no one could force her. And I’ve yet to meet someone who Salihn can’t enthrall.

That was sneaky, Elle. I love it.

“Let me guess…� said Gwyn. “Your wife set me up, didn’t she?� Serana’s eyes opened and the hesitant grin she shot sideways told the untold story. “I figured as much. Well, jokes on her because this little girl is mine now. Cutest damn Altmer I’ve ever seen.�

“She’s an Ayleid, but keep that quiet,� said Serana. Then she nearly laughed out loud at the stunned look on Gwyn’s face. “I’ll tell you all about it later.� Motioning to her brother-in-law, she asked Gwyn a question that had been on her mind since stepping outside: “What’s he doing? I thought he’d want to stretch, or warm up like Elle.�

“He called it ‘Battle Meditation’ back when I asked him about it. Says it’s a prayer to Leki for a warrior’s blessing. Allows him to remain utterly calm in a fight and lets the sword become an extension of his arm. I’ve seen it once before and it’s a sight I’ll never forget.�

Serana watched the two would-be combatants preparing and began to wonder if her wife knew what she was getting into. Anska had certainly sung Cain’s praises last year but they’d attributed some of it to her obvious infatuation with the Redguard warrior. And they never had a chance to seek and opinion of the only other witness to their fight with a Dragon Priest and subsequent dragon: Athis of the Companions.

The sound of dull thuds and hissing slashes finally ceased. Linneá had set her sword down in favor of some last minute stretches to work out any tense muscles in her arms and legs and core. Standing opposite Serana, Gwyn, and Salihn; their parents and the goddess watched with worried anticipation.

Waving them over, Serana offered them what she hoped was a reassuring look. “Relax, would you? It’s just a spar, not a fight to the death. No need to be so worried.�

“I just don’t want to see anyone’s pride ruined,� said Lydia while her husband and Kyne inclined their heads in agreement. “I trust Linn to take it easy but she can also be a bit showy sometimes.�

“You’re worried about the wrong person,� snorted Gwyn. The Breton realized the derisive tone of her comment and offered an apology to Lydia while blushing slightly. “Er, sorry. It’s just… I’ve been him with a sword in a real fight, and I’ve never seen anything like it. The way it sings through the air… simply incredible. The gleaming metal is enchanting to watch and you can almost feel the thrum of it.�

Lydia gave her an apprising sort of look, her eyebrows nearly lost to her graying hairline.“Gwyndala Louvain, that may be the most you’ve ever spoken to Kirin and I since we met you. I hope it’s a trend that continues.�

Gwyn flexed the fingers of her free hand nervously and resisted the urge to excuse herself. She knew her anxiety didn’t magickally disappear but she had hoped a stronger resolve to come here would have steeled her nerves somewhat. The little hand in her other grip tightened a bit and she stooped down and bore Salihn aloft instead.

“What do you think, little one? Can uncle Cain hold his own against your mom?� Salihn shrugged, seemingly bored by the entire affair. “Hah, something tells me you’d rather be playing, yeah?� Gwyn set her down and gave her a pat on the back. “Go ahead - if it’s alright with your mother, that is.�

“Stay in the back here were we can see you, hon,� said Serana.

The elf child whooped ran off to play in the tall grasses while Gwyn sat down to unstrap her heeled shoes. “These were a stupid idea. Can barely stand upright in this [censored] grass.� Stilettos removed and tossed aside, she stood back up at her usual short height and craned her neck up to meet Lydia’s eyes. “Sorry if it seemed like I brushed you off, ma’am. I’m still dealing with… myself. And I’m sorry for being bitchy this morning.�

“It’s alright, dear,� said Lydia. “You just let us know if there’s any way we can help. I recognize that you’re in strange waters here and we won’t push you. Actually, I can’t promise that my daughter won’t.�

At the mention of Linneá they both looked at her to see the Nord woman standing at the ready, her longsword resting with its point in the ground. She cleared her throat loudly to get Cain’s attention. That seemed to have done the trick, for he finally opened his eyes and arose from the ground to face her in the sparring circle, his selected sword still in its scabbard at his waist.

Kirin stepped between them and smiled at each in turn. “Some rules,� he began. Once certain he had the attention of both his son and daughter, he continued,� swords only, no magick, and no Thu’ums. I better not see any blood either �" I need you both alive, and Divines know our holy mother would smote me to dust if something happened to either of you this fine day.�

“Smiting will be the least of your concerns, my child,� warned Kyne. “But your father is right. If I see things get out of hand we will put and end to it. Understood?� Cain and Linneá both bowed slightly to acknowledge her words. “Excellent. Let them proceed, Kir.�

The High King took a step back and spoke a single word: “Go.�

The sound of keen steel upon polished leather whispered in the afternoon air as Cain unsheathed his sword and held it at the ready, the point raised in front of him. Linneá grinned confidently at him from just beyond his reach, her sword point hovering just a hair’s breadth away from his own. They began to side-step, encircling each other and studying body language. Linneá’s grin slipped a little at her brother’s calm, almost tranquil demeanor, but she did notice the tip of his sword wavering ever so slightly and recognized that his unfamiliarity with the weapon might give her an edge.

And Cain studied her movements equally. They were calculated and confident. Her eyes alert and penetrative. Linneá’s form spoke volumes of expert skill honed over many years, yet Cain did not miss a minute difference in the way her right foot settled onto the ground more forcefully than her left. He kept that in mind while parrying her first probing lunge with a swift flick of his blade.

“Hah,� chuckled Linneá. “Thought I might have caught you sleeping there, brother. Glad to see you were paying attention after all.� Her next attack came quickly, the longsword she had dubbed Continuum arcing towards Cain’s seemingly exposed left side. It was greeted by empty air as the Redguard deftly stepped aside.

They reset across from one another and this time Linneá’s expression held an intensity that her features lacked before. She darted forward once again with a flurry of swings and stepped back seconds later, her lips down-turned while she struggled to recognize an opening in his defense. Cain placid expression betrayed nothing and his breaths remained measure, as if he barely exerted himself at all.

“Hm,� murmured Serana from the sidelines. “I don’t know if getting Elle frustrated was Cain’s intention, but it’s certainly what’s happening. I can feel it pouring back through our connection unabated. She wants him to attack back.�

“It’s a wise strategy,� noted Kirin. “He’s giving her nothing to decipher while he studies her form. Linn making the first move is very much her style, but it seems to have fed right into Cain’s.�

They continued watching with bated breath while another probing jab was turned away by Cain.

This time, Linneá backed off a pace and lowered her sword to her side, and allowed another playful grin to adorn her lips. “Very well, brother. I see now you were hoping I’d make the first move but the floor is yours now. Show me that you can do something other than fend off an attack. I’ll even let you -�

Cain darted forward so fast she was nearly caught off guard, her taunt left incomplete in the face of a sudden offensive. Linneá raised her sword to meet the downward slash that never came while her brother feinted left and slid past her right side, severing a leather strap from her boot with a casual flit. The small dagger she had discreetly tucked away fell to the ground with a clatter and the point of Cain’s sword flipped it high and away.
“How did you know that was there?� frowned Linneá after another reset of their positions.

A casual wink was the only thing Cain offered before they met together in the middle for the first time, trading slash for slash, jab for jab, parry for parry, and thrust for thrust. Their blades clanged. Their feet danced. Four figures watched from the side, mouths agape as they marveled at the speed of which Cain and Linneá moved at. Their swords sung through the air to meet each other at every turn, yet they never once came close to causing harm.

On and on and on and on they sparred for what felt like an eternity to Serana watching her paramour trade blows with her brother-in-law. Gwyn stood at her side, growing increasingly impressed at how well Linneá held her own. She had been certain that Cain would over-match his younger sister, but the woman possessed a skill with the blade Gwyn didn’t think possible. Concentration lined both of their faces now, and Gwyn could tell that Cain was equally impressed at the way his sister battled.

But eternity was an illusion. Only a few moments had lapsed since they had begun to circle each other and now Cain decided it was time to end it. Despite his blade being locked with Linneá’s, he glanced toward Gwyn and Serana at the side and grinned. Before Linneá knew what had happened, Cain pressed the offensive calmly with the force of a thousand winds. His longsword arced through the air in a silver blur, clanging endlessly off of her own. He pushed her back towards the edge of the ring, completely in control and dictating every move, every swing, every flicker before Linneá even had a chance to breathe.

The utter shock in her eyes in the face of the furious onslaught betrayed her evaporated confidence, and with a final deft move that Linneá barely registered, Cain’s sword blazed down the edge of her own, hooked the crossguard, and he flicked it free from her grasp, sending it point first into a looming pine tree just outside the sparring circle.

It stood quivering from the trunk, buried a full six inches into the soft wood.

Linneá stared at it in disbelief. And then she stared at her brother in awe. “What the [censored]!? Where did you learn to duel like that!?�

“I had a lot of spare time to practice in Anvil,� replied Cain as he set his sword aside. His breath was still shallow and even, as if he were reading a book fireside rather than dueling vigorously with a skilled opponent. “The guild hall cared more for politics than work. Jobs weren’t common.� He strode over to the tree and yanked the blade free from it, then handed it back to Linneá. “I daresay you’ve earned the confidence you carry yourself with, sis. That was a lot of fun and you’re the most challenging opponent I’ve had the pleasure of facing.�

“Sure as [censored] didn’t seem like a challenge to you.� She laid her sword next to his and then pulled him in for a hug. “That was fun, though. Thank you for humoring me. And I’d love for you to teach me a few tricks someday.�

Nearby, Gwyn breathed a sigh of relief, put on her most smug ‘I told you so face’ and aimed it directly at Serana, who laughed heartily at the sight of it. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I see what you meant before. Just don’t get too cocky, or Elle will have us participating in a mages duel so that I can defend her honor.�

Gwyn failed to turn away in time to hide the stricken look on her face. “Never happening.� She left a thoroughly confused Serana’s side and sought the company of her rock. Gwyn grabbed his hand and tried her best to smile at him. “Hey there, handsome. I never doubted you for a second, ya know.�

“I know. And I’m glad you came.� Cain leaned down and kissed her. “Are you okay? What’s bothering you? I can tell when you’re hiding something...�

“It’s fine. We can talk about it later.�

Cain felt a firm hand clasp his shoulder and he turned to greet Kirin, with Lydia at his side. “That was impressive, son! I’ve never seen anyone wield a blade in such a way! For a moment there I thought we were looking at a draw until you kicked things up a notch. Were you just toying with Linneá?�

“Not at all, dad. I just wanted to see what she was made of first. Color me impressed!�

“And thank you for not harming one another, children,� Kyne chimed in. “Shall we go back inside to relax now?�

“Yes, please,� answered Cain and Linneá in unison. Cain laughed and led Gwyn to the back door. “Sounds like Linn wants a mead as much as I do!�