Lord Amar Padara’s study was one of the most cluttered places Felit?a had ever seen. The shelves lining the walls were stuffed past capacity with books, many lying on top of, or in front of others. Even more books lay stacked on the floor all around the room. In the spaces where there weren’t books, there were crates or chests, some closed, some open with their contents spilling out. Small sculptures, full-sized statues, and wooden carvings stood or lay in other spots, some with fine fabrics or tapestries draped over them. A small desk, cluttered with papers, paper weights, ink jars, and feather pens was crammed against part of the bookshelves on one wall, and the chair behind it held yet another stack of books. There were a couple other chairs in the room as well, also buried under piles of books and other objects. There was a single window, but the curtains were drawn and, given the number of books piled in front of, and against the curtains, Felit?a suspected no one had opened them in a very long time. Only a small amount of space remained on the carpeted floor for walking.


    Lord Padara looked down at the books on the floor, then over at Felit?a and the others. “Oh my. Oh yes, of course! My apologies. One moment.” His thin arms and legs shook as he took slow careful steps down the ladder. Harrick hurried over, but the elder Padara tutted him away. When he got to the bottom, he reached for a nearby cane, then turned to face them.


    Felit?a.


    Lord Padara nodded. “Harrick’s a good lad that way. Always one to help another in need.”


    Felit?a.


    Padara shook his head. “No, Cerus’s half-sister, Felit?a. Remember her? The one who ran away?”


    Felit?a.


    Not now!


    Felit?a.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Felit?a.


    Felit?a.


    Felit?a. Felit?a.


    Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a…


    Shut up! She reached out to steady herself on a pile of books. The pressure on her hand sent pain through her fingers.


    Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a Felit?a…


    Felit?aFelit?aFelit?aFelit?aFelit?aFelit?a…


    FELIT?A!


    The blue energy around Corvinian had faded, and the boy was clutching his hands. Harrick was helping his grandfather to his feet. The old man looked shaken, but unharmed.


    Felit?a plucked Lon off her face and used her other hand to help herself into a sitting position. “Corvinian’s abilities.” The Staff had fallen silent again. “They usually activate in his defence.” She placed Lon in her hood and stood up. “Are you all right, your Lordship?”


    “Well, I’ll be. All those years and I never suspected. Harrick, I used to have regular dealings with her Highness’s teacher. He ran a shop that was invaluable to me. I was very sad to hear of his passing.”


    Amar Padara harrumphed and shook his head. “You were banished from Arnor City. Nothing in the declaration prevents you from coming here and receiving shelter. I was more concerned for you. Are you all right with that?”