Avalyne Series 02: The Easterling Read Online Free Page A

neither identity nor gender, was a given. Now the reflection staring back reminded her she was once Melia, daughter of Hezare, a general of Nadira.
    It was almost to her relief when she heard the door behind her. The sound of knuckles rapping against the thick wooden door had the power to snatch her away from her anxious thoughts and sent her hurrying to answer it. She had no idea what customs and protocols needed observing whilst in the Royal Court so she did not wish to be perceived as being rude by leaving her visitor to languish outside her door.
    ‘ Melia!’ Celene burst into the room as soon as Melia opened the door wide enough and was greeted with another enthusiastic hug of friendship and joy.
    ‘Celene,’ Melia stuttered a response, still rather overwhelmed by the reception she was receiving from the Lady of Gislaine.
    ‘ My goodness,’ Celene exclaimed, sweeping her gaze over Melia in her blue dress. ‘Now I can see why so many were shocked when I discarded my breeches for a dress. You look beautiful.’
    ‘ I feel as if I should be better armed,’ Melia retorted, remembering that Celene had a dry wit and would appreciate the humour.
    Celene laughed and took her hand, leading her to the chairs in the room so that they could talk. Like Arianne, Celene had not forgotten how Melia had risked her life to aid them in the quest to Sanhael. Though she claimed she was duty bound to aid the Queen of Carleon, they knew better and took her to their hearts. Besides, there were not many other women with whom Celene shared common interest, who did not think battle and swordplay was wholly inappropriate subjects of conversation for the Lady of Gislaine.
    ‘ How have you been?’ Celene asked as they nestled comfortably into the wing chairs.
    ‘ I have been well though life does not vary much for a watch guard. We ride, we watch and we report what is important to those in authority,’ Melia explained.
    ‘ And how goes your search for your mother?’ Celene inquired, remembering Melia had set aside her own quest in order to help them.
    Melia let out a disappointed sigh before responding. ‘I am afraid that I have found little evidence of her. Wherever she and her people disappeared, they hid well for I have spoken to no one who has even heard of her.’
    ‘ You will find her,’ Celene patted her on the arm in support, showing more confidence that Melia herself felt at this moment.
    ‘ I hope so,’ Melia smiled, grateful for the gesture. ‘Now, how about yourself? How have you and your husband been?’
    ‘ Ronen and I fare well. We have spent much of the past months in Gislaine trying to rebuild the outer settlements there but I fear that we our resources only stretch so far. Many fled across the Baffin during the occupation and until we prove that the south is free of Balfure’s forces we will not bring them back. I know the King would like the Southern Provinces peopled once more but it is going to take a long time for that to happen.’
    ‘ I understand that land of east of Gislaine is quite beautiful and the woods of Eden Ardhen are quite magnificent,’ Melia remarked, knowing something about the local topography.
    ‘ It is,’ Celene responded. ‘Unfortunately many of Balfure’s forces have taken refuge there. Tor Ardhen still stands even though the Disciples are gone. Its a pity because it was the centre of elvendom until Lylea was driven out.’
    ‘ I suppose they are retreating behind the Veil again now that Balfure is gone. It is a pity that Eden Ardhen is not occupied. That might solve your problem.’
    ‘ It might,’ Celene nodded in agreement and then added rather coyly. ‘Speaking of elves, Aeron is here.’
    Melia's expression was as stone.
    ‘Is he?’ She asked feigning casual interest that was not at all unique in the Keep today.
    ‘ Yes,’ Celene nodded, having also heard of Kyou's description of the two’s interaction during the return trip from the Frozen Mountains. ‘Though I