The Devil's Fire

by Sara Bell

  Alric sighed. “I only wish Father were here to see the fruits of his handiwork."

  "Somehow, I have the feeling he knows.” And with the certainty that Declan was well-pleased, indeed, Gareth leaned in for a kiss.

  Epilogue

  Talon stood on his tiptoes, trying his best to see over the edge of the cradle. “Is that her?"

  Gareth lifted his son into his arms so that he had a better view. “This is your baby sister. Her name is Leandra."

  Talon wrinkled his nose. “She smells funny, Papa."

  Alric came in with eighteen-month-old Declan on his shoulders. “I wager you smelled funny too, at that age. I'm afraid all babes do.” He pretended to drop Declan then, laughing when the child squealed his delight.

  "Saints, but I wish you wouldn't do that,” Gareth said once his heart returned to a normal rhythm. “You're going to drop him on his head one of these days."

  Alric rolled his eyes. “No, I'm not.” Kissing Declan's fuzzy head, he brought the babe against his chest. “Declan knows his daddy's got him, don't you, pumpkin?"

  Declan laughed and wrapped his plump arms around Alric's neck. As for Talon, he continued to study his little sister from the safe haven of Gareth's arms. Finally, he said, “She's broken."

  Gareth stared down at the sleeping child, who to his way of thinking was absolutely perfect. “She's only a few hours old, son. All babes are red and wrinkled at this stage, or so the nurse tells me."

  "Not that. When Nurse changed her.” Talon pointed to the area in question. “She doesn't look like me and Declan."

  "And to think we were so excited when you learned to speak in complete sentences.” Still holding Declan tight, Alric leaned over to kiss Talon's grubby cheek. “I'll explain the difference between girl babes and boy babes later. Right now your father and I have something to discuss.” Alric motioned to the nurse they'd engaged, who was standing in the corner trying not to laugh. “Besides,” Alric said, “I believe ‘tis someone's nap time."

  Talon made a face as the nurse took Declan from Alric's arms. “I'm not tired."

  Gareth gave Talon a tight squeeze before setting him down. “You have to rest or else I won't be able to take you riding this afternoon."

  As Gareth had known it would, the promise of a ride brought Talon's protests to an end. He scampered after the nurse, who was leading Declan through the door to the other part of the nursery.

  Alric leaned over the cradle, smoothing the covers over his daughter's sleeping form. “Leandra. Seems like a big name for such a small girl."

  "Maybe, but it was only fitting to name her after your mother since we named Declan after your father.” Gareth leaned over to brush one finger across her downy soft cheek. “She'll grow into it."

  "Of that, I have no doubt.” Alric stepped back. “Perhaps we'll have another son and daughter so we can name them after your parents."

  "Let us get these three raised first,” Gareth said. “I fear my hair will be white through ere they make it to adulthood."

  "You love being a father, and well you know it.” Alric took him by the hand, leading him away from the cradle and toward the door. “Speaking of which, I have good news. A messenger came from Banning not an hour ago. Our petition has been approved. Talon, as oldest son, has been recognized as heir to the throne of Kray."

  Gareth smiled, but Alric must have seen the worry behind his eyes, because he stopped walking and said, “What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy."

  "Of course I'm happy, but...” Gareth let free with a long sigh. “I can't banish from my mind the fear that Talon will come to hate me once he learns the truth of how his real father died."

  "Gareth, look at me.” Alric tipped Gareth's chin up with one finger. “You are Talon's real father, far more real than Denmar ever was to the boy. Already, the man is nothing more than a fading memory in Talon's mind.” He caressed Gareth's stubbly jaw. “When Talon is old enough, we'll tell him the truth. He'll understand you did the only thing you could have done, as will Declan and Leandra."

  Wanting desperately to believe that Alric was right, Gareth forced the fear from his mind. “Speaking of Leandra, how's her mother doing?"

  It was Alric's turn to sigh. “As far as the birthing ordeal goes, Balthazar assures me she's fine, but emotionally ... ‘tis as if something inside her is broken.” His hand fell away from Gareth's jaw. “Zalista and the boys’ old nurse seemed to have formed a bond back at Banning, so I brought the old woman up from the village this morning, hoping she could talk some sense into Zalista."

  "I take it that didn't work."

  Alric shook his head. “Zalista still refuses to so much as look at Leandra. She's set on leaving Kray as soon as Balthazar deems her well enough to travel.” He pushed his hair back from his eyes. “Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful to her for giving us our daughter, but I feel she should at least want to see Leandra before she leaves."

  "Perhaps, but we can't force the issue,” Gareth said. “I gave Zalista my word I'd return her to her people as soon as she was able.” He glanced back at the cradle. “I also promised she'd be amply rewarded for allowing us to take Leandra as our own. There's nothing else we can do."

  Alric made a face. “I know.” He led Gareth out, then, before closing the nursery door behind them. “Speaking of rewards, there was a private note from Elwin included in the announcement recognizing Talon as heir."

  "Oh?"

  "Yes. It seems Elwin has decided to reward Finn for his heroism in foiling Denmar's plot by granting Finn dominion over one of the reorganized kingdoms."

  "Finn's to be a king?” Gareth shuddered. “Creator help his subjects."

  Alric gave him a light elbow to the ribs. “He's to be a duke, if I understood Elwin correctly, but that's not the half of it.” His eyes gleamed in the light filtering though the hallway. “With our permission, Elwin wishes to reward Wycaster for his role in Denmar's downfall, as well, by offering him the position of Banning's chief man-at-arms."

  "You sound as if you approve."

  "Why wouldn't I?"

  Gareth shrugged. “Wycaster's been with Kray a long while. I assumed ‘twould be difficult for you to let him go."

  "I admit, I'm going to miss him.” Alric smiled. “He's risked his life more than once on my behalf, and I look on him as a valued friend. ‘Tis for those very reasons I owe him this opportunity."

  Gareth understood. “We'll put the question to him, then, and allow the decision to be wholly his."

  "Yes, but later. Tonight, after the evening meal, maybe."

  "Why not now?"

  "Because now all three of our children are down for a nap.” Alric's eyes danced with mischief. “By my count, we have at least one, childfree hour in which to entertain ourselves."

  Gareth's blood began to heat with a fire that had nothing to do with his newly acquired talents. “Have you a certain activity in mind?"

  "I just might.” Alric turned and made for their chamber, stopping just long enough to say over his shoulder, “Why don't you come with me and find out?"

  Knowing a choice offer when he heard one, Gareth followed hot on Alric's heels.

  * * *

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