Chapter 3 Sunseekers, Suitors, and Stupidity

My parents sat at the head of the hall, commanding every gaze. Father’s broad shoulders filled his high-backed chair, Mother’s poise as sharp as any blade. Both wore deep green trimmed with brown.  The colors of House Verden, echoing the forests that bound our lands. Father’s gaze pinned me the moment I entered. He was furious. If I had to guess, it was because I was late—and, judging by the sidelong looks from the courtiers, because I was the only one not in house colors. ‘A disrespectful act’ my father would tell me. Anytime someone important would come I had to be in family colors no matter what. I’d known this dress would get me in trouble, but Hana had insisted. You will be married off to another family soon enough, why not stand out? she had said. I still didn’t understand why, but I trusted her. Hana had cared for me since birth, loved me more than my parents ever had.

I dipped into a bow before the assembled court and guests—so many faces today, far more than usual. Whoever had warranted this turnout must be important indeed. Nervous energy burned under my skin in anticipation. I bowed again before my parents, then slipped into my smaller chair at Father’s side. Across the dais,I noticed my brother lounged in his own seat beside Mother, smirking at my late arrival. My gaze landed on Father’s  face again. His expression was unreadable, but the coldness in his eyes told me I was in major trouble.

I tried not to care about fathers burning gaze. I instead focused on my brother who sat relaxed in his green suit. I eased at the relaxed and care free stance he had while sitting. This might be one of the last times I’d see my brother before he leaves for his next quest. He wasn’t sure if he would be back for the wedding. He knew how I felt about the whole thing anyway. I really wished he could be there to ease some of my worry for that day. He would rub my head and tell me ‘to find the path that would bring me the most joy and adventure.’ For some reason, that always relaxed me.

I have been begging him to share the details of his next quest. I always love hearing about his adventures. It was a way for me to pretend I was the one heading out into the world. He told me he was searching for an Elven crystal. I envied him, his freedom, purpose, adventure. He was one of the few people who made life in this keep bearable and when he was gone. It was like his leaving sucked all the joy and happiness from this place. 

“Now that my daughter has joined us.” Father’s voice cut through the hall. He paused, giving me a look that promised punishment later. My stomach twisted. I wanted to run.  He continued, “Sir Garret, and companion, share with us what you came here for, as you personally requested.”

A familiar figure rose. Chestnut hair streaked with gray was tied back, a full beard framing a slightly more weathered face. His armor gleamed, a new set I’d never seen before, though the man beneath it was unmistakable. Sir Garret.

His eyes found mine, and for a heartbeat the world shrank to just the two of us. He smirked, warm and reassuring. It had been years, at least five, by my count since I’d seen him in person. Letters had come rarely, short and vague. And yet here he was, larger than life.

Sir Garret, my father’s oldest friend. The man who had taught me to string a bow, to track game, to survive the wilderness and how to protect myself from would be kidnappers. His stories had filled my childhood with wonder and sparked my dream of adventuring. While the plague consumed the south, he had been gone, fighting it. Rumors whispered of a new order sworn to stand against it. Perhaps he knew the truth and what was just gossip and rumors.

“Thank you, Lord Verden. Lady Verden.” Garret bowed. “Allow me to introduce my companion. This is Carlin, my right hand and second in command of the Sunseeker Order.”

My chair scraped back as I half rose, words bursting out before I could stop them. “Wait! You’re the leader of the Sunseekers? They’re real? Can they really—”

“Nera!” Father’s rebuke cracked like a whip cutting my words off. “Hold your tongue.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Sorry,” I mumbled, sinking back

Carlin laughed, warm and unguarded. Sunlight seemed woven into him, golden hair, green eyes bright with amusement. The sound was contagious, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling back. 

Sir Garret’s gentle smile found me next, the same one that had soothed every scraped knee and childhood fear. “It’s all right, Nera. Give me a moment, and I’ll explain.”

He turned back to Father. “As I was saying, the Sunseeker Order was founded to fight the plague. We are new, just over a year established, but already we’ve seen results. Though the corruption has four years’ head start on us, we are finally starting to push it back so it can not spread further. Still, to truly turn the tide, we need more skilled fighters. We are currently at a stand still. We have traveled north seeking recruits. If any here are willing and able,we leave soon but you have at least 3 days to come to us about joining before we leave for other areas. While we remain, we will answer any questions you have.”

Hope surged hot and wild in my chest. The plague could be fought, defeated even! My chance, my dream, might be here at last.

“Can I join?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

“Absolutely not!” Father’s roar silenced the hall. His hand slammed the arm of the chair. “In less than four months you must choose a husband from among these gentlemen. You will not join any order.”

My heart dropped to the floor. Across the chamber, my would-be suitors watched. Kyril of House Necros stood pale as ash, nearly swallowed by his drab gray suit. Artair of House Cealus, clad in white, gazed at Sir Garret with boyish admiration, star-struck by the legendary knight. And Remier of House Ignis, draped in crimson, fixed me with those cold, predatory eyes. Even starving wolves had more warmth.

“Lord Verden,” Garret said evenly, “I asked for this meeting to include all who might aid us. But I also requested your daughter’s presence specifically. I want her to have the choice to join, if she wishes.”

Father’s eyes darkened. “If I had known your intentions, I would not have allowed her to attend. She is to be married in four months. Anything else about her will be discussed privately.”

“With respect, sir… we had a promise,” Sir Garret pressed, his stance firm.

“One that shall not be spoken of here,” Father said, his voice cold as steel. 

Sir Garret did not yield. “Sir—”

“Enough!” The word came from Remier, his voice slick with malice. He rose, one hand gripping the hilt of his sword. “Nera will be my wife. Whatever promises you thought you had are nothing. She’ll be on her knees bearing my children soon eno—”

The hiss of steel cut him short.

“Not… Another… Word…” Carlin’s voice was low and sharp as a drawn blade. His sword tip hovered inches from Remier’s throat. I didn’t even see him move towards Remier. No wonder he is second in command.

The air turned to ice. Every whisper died.

“Remove your hand from your hilt,” Carlin said softly, dangerously. “Or I’ll remove it for you.”

“You dare threaten me?” Remier spat, his face darkened with rage.

“No.” Carlin’s gaze never wavered; his voice was steady and as cold as ice. “I state a fact.”

“Garret! Restrain your man!” Father’s voice thundered.

“I will not put my weapon down until he moves his hand from his blade.” Carlin replied without looking away. 

Sir Garret’s voice was calm, steady as stone but I could hear the hint of amusement he was trying to smother. “Boy, if you value that hand, I’d let go of that blade.” Sir Garret placed a hand on his own blade. Clearly showing, he backed up his companion. 

The silence stretched, brittle and suffocating. For a moment, I thought Remier truly might draw. But with Garret’s shadow looming beside Carlin, the odds were against him.

Slowly, venom dripping from his glare, Remier let his fingers fall from the hilt.

“You’ll regret this,” he hissed.

Only then did Carlin lower his blade, a smug smile tugging at his lips. The expression alone seemed to enrage Remier further.