Dejection

CAIVAN

'What do you reckon would have happened, what news Seirmon bears? Something bad? Do you think those raveners had gotten to them?' I groan at the thought; I'd avoided it altogether back at the plateau when I had looked out over the plain. Inevitable, it seems. 'If it's bad, Charlin would let us know. Or you'd smell it on her, the anxiety,' I state, and she scoffs. 'I'm good at masking my emotions,' she chips. 'And she wouldn't be making jokes,' I add.

Father's hut looms in front of us like some ill bringer of doom. It certainly has played the part over the years…since mother's death. I fervently hope Seirmon doesn't bring more than we can bear.

Inside, I spot his dark sienna hair behind a dining chair, and look around instinctively for a body. There's none, and I stifle a tremendous sigh of relief.

Gylen pats him on the shoulder as he turns, his mouth quite full with what looks to be shellfish. He looks perfectly fine, thank the gods. 'Seirmon, you old bastard,' I mutter, mas