“Aria, please listen carefully. I’m as serious as the grave,” Sean said, hoping she heard the pun.
Aria stirred, her head shifting side to side by an inch. “That pun was almost the death of me. Tell me what you must before the Lord has me executed.”
“You have a choice— Evan’s blade or my Bond. I offer you a place in my family, treated as fairly as my other Bonded, and given the space to spread your wings and soar. I’ll never lay a hand on you without your freely given consent, and I’ll ask of you nothing but your silence on the secrets of my family. My word that this is all I require for your Life Bond.”
“Death or a chain forever keeping me tied to you,” Aria murmured as she pushed herself into a sitting position. Looking past Sean, she met Evan’s eyes and shuddered. “This will make you more enemies. Is a broken tamer really worth that?”
Sean caught her eyes with his own, “A broken tamer… maybe not. You, however, yes. The choice is yours.” Standing up, he extended a hand down to her. “My bloody hand, or his bloody blade.”
Aria looked up at him with a glimmer of hope. “May the road rise up to meet you.”
“May the sun shine warm upon your face,” Sean replied with a smile. “We’ve met again. Not the way either of us probably wanted, but here we are.”
“I agree.” Taking his hand, Aria got to her feet, wobbled, and fell into his side. Steadying herself, she spoke as loudly as she could, “I, Aria Huntress, Life Bond myself to Sean MacDougal. I will keep his secrets and his family’s secrets. I will be the eyes he needs, and the swift wind of death to his foes. My life is his, and his will is my truth. In return, he will gift me access to his Talents, energy, and let me fly as high as I can go.”
The weight of the moment stuck the entire party as thick, solid bands of black covered Aria’s neck and wrists. The healer came up beside them and touched Aria’s back, sending energy to the injuries she had taken.
Evan slammed his sword into the ground. “I demand compensation for her actions a few days past.”
Sean turned to Evan, not bothering to be polite. “For whose actions? Aria Huntress just died. The woman behind me is Aria Swiftwing. You’ve never met this woman.”
“Changing her name doesn’t—”
“I just put down a champion and Cuander,” Sean interrupted him. “I’ve been healed, so if need be, I’ll defend those who stand with me.”
“Swiftwing, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Lady Sharpeyes said, gliding toward them. “I do hope you find the happiness that an old friend of mine was always seeking.”
Aria bowed low to her, “I’m sure your old friend would be touched to hear you speak so kindly of her. My path is uncertain, being newly Life Bonded, but I have hope.”
“I grow tired. This party is over,” Lord Sharpeyes snapped as he turned for the door.
Evan glared at Sean as he drew his sword from the floor. “I don’t forget those that cost me a plaything.”
“I do forget those who aren’t worth remembering,” Sean replied coldly.
Nostrils flaring, Evan stormed off. Klein and the group with him followed the enraged young noble. Delia glanced back at Sean with questioning eyes, but she followed the others. The other guests headed for the doors, leaving just the people Sean knew, a few guards, and Lady Sharpeyes.
“What an eventful party, Lady Sharpeyes,” Mageeyes said. “I do believe it will be the talk of the city for a few tendays.”
“Oh, at least that long, Amedee,” Lady Sharpeyes laughed before she turned to face Sean. “MacDougal, you have made Denmur even angrier with you, upset my darling son, and my dear husband. I hadn’t thought you would be quite so busy in a single visit. I do thank you for saving Aria. She has been a bright point in this otherwise dark time.”
“I didn’t come expecting a fight,” Sean said, “but I couldn’t sit back and watch my friend be pushed into a corner and not act. As for Aria,” Sean looked at her, “I’m sorry for hurting you.”
Aria blinked, “How could you have won without doing so?”
“I could have found a way, but I got upset when I saw you drowning Ryann.”
“I shouldn’t have taken my eyes off her,” Ryann said. “I lost fairly. She even gave me the option to stop, but I couldn’t. Welcome to our family, Aria.”
Aria bowed her head to Ryann, “Mistress, I will do my best to fit in.”
“Wait until you meet the others,” Ryann replied. “I wonder how Myna will react to her?”
Sean got a mental image of Aria perched on the smithy, while Myna stalked the base of the building. Holding in the chuckle, he shook his head, “We’ll find out shortly.”
“Sean, you made us a fortune,” Ryan said. “No one thought you’d win. The lowest odds I received were ten-to-one.”
“Yes, a very tidy sum,” Mageeyes laughed. “I look forward to setting aside half of the proceeds for you. You might need to consider a bigger home with your growing family.”
Sean shook his head, “Yeah, maybe.”
“Alas, the party was called to an end by my husband,” Lady Sharpeyes said, bringing their attention back to her. “I look forward to seeing you all again. Especially you, MacDougal.”
Sean winced, “Can I just skip the next party?”
Lady Sharpeyes laughed as she walked toward the door. “I doubt that my husband will allow that. Until we meet again, have a pleasant night.”
Chapter Forty
Sean woke to find the room empty. He sat up, the memories of last night flooding back to him. “Fuck me, did I really Life Bond her to save her life?” Exhaling deeply, Sean wondered if he had done the right thing, but forced himself to accept what had happened.
Sean climbed out of bed and stretched. There’s a lot going on today... we should be getting the metal, gems, and coin from Eva and Fredrick. Need to work on my steam engine, too. Tonight, though... tonight is going to be the real kicker. Going to tell those who want to know the truth about me, if they agree to keep it secret. Only right to let them know what they’re getting themselves into and why some things have been happening. Getting dressed as his thoughts circled back to that last point again and again, Sean wondered if this was really the best idea.
He arrived in the dining room and saw everyone was already at the table. Aria had taken the seat at the far end, looking confused as she talked with Ven, Venn, Omin, and Onim. Chastity looked stressed, her eyes set on Aria as if trying to look into the newcomer. Ryann and Ida spoke softly to each other, with Ida clearly trying to explain something. Before Sean could make out any of the conversations, Fiona and Myna greeted him, which stopped all the talking.
“Morning,” Sean replied. “Aria, did you sleep okay?”
“It took a little bit, but I did get some sleep. Thank you, Master.”
“Eh, yeah, let’s not do that. It’s bad enough that Myna uses it to poke at me. Call me Sean please, or sir, if that’s too informal for you. Okay?”
Aria’s head cocked to the side, “Sir or Sean? This family is going to take some getting used to. Your other Life Bonded are all your wives, while your other Bonded w—”
“Breakfast,” Andrea called out loudly, bursting through the door and cutting Aria off. “I wasn’t really expecting another, so it’s frumenty today so that it can be stretched out.”
“It’ll be delicious as always,” Sean assured her. “You okay? You look a little frazzled.”
“I’m fine, sir, thank you,” Andrea said as she set the kettle before him. “I’ll go get the honey, fruit, and the second kettle.”
“Sounds good,” Sean smiled.
Andrea was quickly back with the condiments for the meal and people all began to prepare their breakfast to their liking.
“I wanted to bring up something Amedee suggested last night. We might want to look for a bigger place. It’s starting to get crowded here. We could just convert the smithy, since I haven’t used it as much as I thought I might. Or we could add to the main building and remove part o
f the yard, but we’ve been using most of that when we spar. Everyone want to weigh in on this?” Sean asked, looking down the table.
Fiona paused with her spoon halfway to her mouth. “We could afford it, but it’ll mean the shop moves, or would we keep the shop here?”
“Hmm, we haven’t been here long, so moving wouldn’t be a huge problem,” Sean said once he cleared his throat. “If we keep the shop here, it’ll remove Chastity from the rest of—”
“The shop should move, sir,” Chastity said quickly, interrupting him. “I would lose out on sparring and training if we separated them.”
“That’s a good point,” Sean admitted, not catching Chastity’s or Andrea’s panic at the suggestion. “We’d need someone to take care of this place, too, since Andrea would be over at the new place with us.”
“Do you even have a place in mind?” Myna asked.
“No. I wanted to see what the consensus was before even looking.”
“Losing the forge won’t matter,” Ida said slowly. “I haven’t even thought about using it since the few times we worked in there together. I do want to thank you again. My parents are excited about even the little they can currently do with Shaping.”
“My mother, as well,” Chastity added. “She’s been keeping it a secret, but her excitement is wonderful.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad they’ve all been able to do more,” Sean said. “I did have other things to bring up, but let’s finish the conversation about our home first.”
“Anywhere is fine,” Ryann said between bites. “As long as we’re all together… including our newest addition.”
“Aria, did you want to comment?” Sean asked.
She shook her head, her eyes darting around nervously. “The room I have been provided is more than I expected. It isn’t my place to speak in these matters.”
Gentle laughter and giggles came from most of the table, making Aria frown. Fiona leaned forward to explain. “As you said already, this isn’t what you’re expecting. You’re in for a surprise. Husband, if it’s okay, I’ll take Aria under my wing, as it were, and tell her what she needs to know.”
“Going to set the limits of my chain?” Aria asked.
“No, we’re going to show you that the only chain is the one in your mind,” Myna replied. “I’d like to stay with them, Master.”
“I’ll be working most of the day,” Sean said, nodding. “We keep straying off topic, though.”
“I think we’re all in agreement,” Ven said. “No one voiced against it.”
“The shop moves with the family,” Omin nodded.
“Including our fellows,” Onim added.
“We would never leave them behind,” Venn said.
“Wouldn’t ask you to,” Sean said. “That brings up another question. How is your… flock… clan… err…?”
“Our clan is growing, and we could use a bit more space,” Ven grinned. “Soon, there won’t be any unaffiliated Messenger Fairies in the city. No more wanderers, none to be abused or used by those who enjoy such things.”
“I didn’t know we’d gathered so many,” Sean said.
“They’ve added onto the roof,” Fiona told him. “Unless you know what to look for, it is very well hidden.”
“Huh, good to know. I’ll need one of you to run a message to Amedee and ask if she knows of any place available,” Sean said.
“I’ll go after breakfast,” Onim replied.
“What was the other thing you wanted to discuss?” Myna asked.
“I’m going to tell the others about me,” Sean said, “if they’ll keep the secret, that is.”
“We’re tied together,” Fiona said slowly. “The price might be too high for them.”
“I know, but those who really want to know the truth should have a chance to learn. I’m going to give them the option tonight.”
The room was quiet for a long moment before Fiona spoke up, “I will come with you, then.”
“Amedee will be there,” Sean cautioned her.
“If you are going to tell them the truth, it won’t matter. If we are going to step into this, we should do it together. All of us should be there.”
Chastity and Andrea looked away, while Aria looked puzzled.
“All of us,” Fiona said again, looking at Chastity and Andrea. “All of us who pray.”
The pair looked at her before nodding. “If that is your will, Fiona,” Andrea said softly. “We don’t wish to intrude.”
“I will do as you wish,” Chastity agreed.
“Sean,” Ryann said when silence fell over the table, “is this the right time?”
“It has to be now, before things spiral,” Sean said. “It gives them the chance to distance themselves from us if they want. This will raise a flag above us, and those who are responsible for Darragh will be able to find us easier. I’m not going to poke the Queens in the eye or take on one of the high nobles, but I’m not backing down anymore. If Denmur and Sharpeyes want to cause problems, we’ll dig in and push back.”
“Yes,” Myna growled. “We’ll show them that our claws are sharp.”
“Shapers might not be fighters, but it doesn’t make us weak,” Fiona added.
“We’ll be unyielding,” Ida nodded.
“We won’t back down,” Ryann smiled.
“I’ll see what my friends can learn for us,” Ven said.
“You are really going to stand against them?” Aria asked.
“We won’t start a fight,” Sean said levelly, “but we’ll damned well finish it.”
Aria watched him, her expression bleak. “I will hold to my word, even if it means flying into a storm.”
“Storms break around him,” Myna said softly. “Even the Queen’s wrath didn’t stop him.”
Aria was not the only one puzzled by Myna’s statement, as Andrea, Chastity, and Ida had not heard about the blizzard, either.
“We can explain later,” Fiona said, finishing her meal. “We all have work to do, and Sean has tasks that only he can do.”
Looking down at his empty bowl, Sean blinked, not aware he had eaten it all. “I’ll just have a little more,” Sean said, scraping the pot clean.
“The rest of us should get moving,” Fiona said again as she stood. “Ida, Ryann, do you want to do the second or third bathhouse?”
“Second,” Ryann said.
“Third,” Ida said at the same time.
The two exchanged a look, before Ryann sighed. “Third.”
“Felora wants to be your friend, too,” Ida told Ryann as they headed for the door.
Ryann stopped just short of it, “Sean, you will send a message if you plan on going out, right?”
“I wouldn’t go out without you or one of the others beside me,” Sean said, “unless one of you desperately needed me.”
Ryann nodded, “Good.”
A few minutes later, Sean and Andrea were alone in the dining room. After a few minutes, Andrea said, “Sean, do you think it’ll get bad?”
Sean put his spoon down, his expression going grim. “Yeah. I don’t think Denmur knows how to lose. Lord Sharpeyes and his son really don’t know how to accept defeat from the little I’ve seen. Lady Sharpeyes looks to be at odds with them, though, so maybe that will play into our favor.”
“Umm, Aria... is she going to be… joining you?” Andrea asked slowly.
“Huh?” Sean blinked. “Oh! No, no, no! She’s just Life Bonded; it was the easiest way to save her life. She’s not getting married to me. Hell, she’s probably resentful for having to accept the Bond. Servitude that means death if I die, or death right then? It wasn’t much of a choice. I just hope she’ll forgive me once she gets to know all of us and sees that I’m not like what she expects.”
Andrea stared at him blankly before she got to her feet and began to gather the dishes. “She will,” Andrea sighed. “No one who knows you could resent you. Maybe one day soon—” Cutting the sentence off, her cheeks burned and she left the room quickly.
“Huh?” Sean said, lost as to why Andrea left in such an embarrassed state.
Shaking his head, Sean polished off the last of his food. He had things to do, and the way things were going, he would be feeling the pressure before too much longer.
Chapter Forty-one
Myna, Andrea, and Sean were sparring at noon, after Sean took a break from his experiments. Andrea’s intensity was higher than Sean had ever seen it. Taking risks, she managed to land hits on both him and Myna during the hour.
Forged Bonds (Binding Words Book 4) Page 40