Chapter 3
Astrid waited for her mother to sleep, and for Balin to attend his chores. She double-checked her mother's state, holding her hand above the woman's nose.
Shallow, as if she scarcely lives. Her shoulders slumped at the thought. I keep a terrible secret from you. I'm sorry I am angry that you and Balin isolate me from the world, but I understand. You love me, Mamma. I could not bear to lose you. You are all that I have.
The young woman resisted the urge to caress her mother's frail cheek and set about her business. She dug into a pouch that lay on the covers near her mother's feet, retrieving the algiz rune stone.
The door squeaked. Astrid hid the rune stone in the folds of her tunic and turned. Balin's bulk lumbered into their hut, his arms laden with chopped wood. He eyed Astrid suspiciously as he laid the logs next to the fire pit.
"When I was young, I fought for kings and chieftains," he began in a hushed tone.
Astrid planted the stone in her palm and squeezed her fist tight around it as she crossed the room to her own mattress. She gathered her mantle, slipping the object into her pocket. She swung the cape over her shoulders, intending to exit, but Balin continued.
"I murdered men for the glory and riches of rulers. I took lives to satisfy another man's greed. All of it was meaningless. Until I met your mother, and learned of you, I had nei purpose. I stumbled along performing mindless brutalities for others, but your mother gave me a reason worthy of fighting for."
Astrid started at his words.
Balin reached underneath the bed he shared with Isla and pulled out a wooden box. He opened the lid and shuffled through his belongings.
"You will need this in the days to come."
The warrior retrieved a lamellar breastplate and handed it to Astrid. She didn't reach for the armor, so Balin crossed the room and pressed it into her hands.
"Not to worry, I resized it to fit you." He chuckled. "I realize women care about their looks, even a woman a tough as you. I would not have you fighting in armor too loose for your form."
She took the gift and fingered the leather squares, noting the breastplate was lined with intertwining iron rings joined with wire. Chain mail dangled from under the shell intended to cover her upper limbs and stomach. The garment weighed down her arms and she wondered if she would ever manage to wear such a heavy piece.
"I do not understand how the song works. I am Scandian and ignorant of the ways of Alvenheim. But you are strong, and you will learn it because you must. I have never known you to back down from a challenge."
Astrid couldn't determine how to acknowledge Balin's speech. She laid the armor on her bed and strutted toward the door.
"The boy, Hallad..."
Balin's mention of the young man caught her attention and she stopped, listening.
"Everyone needs a champion, a guardian, someone that is devoted to the survival of the other. I am that soul for your mother. I know the boy is the one for you. But you need to be worthy of him, because as much as your mother needs me, I need her too. It will be the same way for you and him."
Astrid met Balin's gaze, his eyes heavy with warning. With that one look, she realized what she must do.
The Light Keepers - a YA Epic Fantasy - Prequel to the ShadowLight Saga Page 3