“What is that, my lord?” she asked.
“You must never fear to speak your mind and offer your advice to me,” he said. “I would have a wife who is also involved in governing this kingdom.”
“I promise,” she replied.
Chapter 53
After spending several days with his grandfather, Yori had finally made his way back to the city of Enald. The town still showed signs of extensive damage from its recent attack by the elves. People walked hurriedly through the streets, going about various tasks. Some busied themselves repairing the damage and removing debris.
Yori continued through the streets to his uncle’s smithy. It still stood and appeared mostly unharmed. There were new wooden shingles to the roof, and some of the posts had been replaced, suggesting that the shop had been damaged but was already repaired.
Inside the shop, he caught sight of his uncle at the anvil. He was hammering away, completely unaware of Yori’s presence. Seated at the far corner of the shop was Meladee. Her dark hair covered most of her face as she played with a cloth doll.
Glimpsing movement at the corner of her eye, she looked up at Yori with a start. “Yori!” she yelled, rushing past her father to reach him.
Ren looked up and spun around in time to see Yori kneel and grab the little girl. He lifted her high in the air before hugging her tightly to his chest. She kissed his cheeks and giggled, throwing her arms around his neck.
“You’ve been gone forever,” she said, scolding him as he returned her to her feet.
“I’m sorry, Meladee,” he replied. “I had a lot to learn. Will you forgive me?”
“Ok,” she replied, grinning.
“It’s good to see you again,” Ren said. “I didn’t know if you’d be coming back.”
“I wasn’t really sure myself,” Yori responded truthfully. “I’ve traveled quite a bit this winter, but it feels good to come home.”
“You’ve probably heard that the war is over,” Ren said. “We took some damage here, but the entire town pitched in to repair the smithy. With all the work I have lined up to repair the town, I’ve had to hire two new apprentices. You’re still welcome to work for me if you like.”
“Thanks, Uncle,” Yori replied. “But I should have a job waiting for me in the palace district.” He grinned, trying to imagine what it would be like working for the king.
“That’s true,” Ren said. “I bet that job pays much better. With all that you’ve probably learned while you were away, I think you might be ready to run your own smithy. I’d like to hear about these runes if you’re going to stay a while.”
“I think I could be persuaded to stay a day or two.”
“Trella has been missing you too. No doubt she’ll want to cook all of your favorite dishes while you’re here.”
“That’s it,” Yori replied with a smile. “You’ve convinced me.”
“Yay!” Meladee shouted. “We’re building a new house. It’s a big one. There’s even going to be a room for you.” She looked cheerfully up at Yori and took his hand.
“Whenever you want to visit, our door will always be open,” Ren said.
Yori looked down at Meladee and winked. She giggled and tugged at his arm, leading him to the site of her new home.
* * * * *
A few days later, Yori arrived once again at the palace district. Trella had sewn him a new red headband, and he checked to make sure it was covering his ears. The war had ended, but the negative sentiment toward elves remained unchanged.
Despite the layer of snow on the ground, the marketplace was bustling with its usual activities. As Yori walked along the streets, his spirits were high, reflecting the general atmosphere of the city. Everyone seemed to be smiling.
Moving unnoticed among the crowd, he stopped at the palace gates to request an audience with the king. Two guards in shining chainmail stood proudly, watching as the people went about their duties.
“Excuse me,” Yori said to them. “I was sent on a mission by the prince, and now I have returned. I need to report back to him.”
The guards looked him up and down. One of them replied, “The prince is now the king.”
Yori smiled knowingly. “Yes, I’ve heard the news. May I see him?”
“You can wait inside, but the king is very busy. One of his councilors might come and speak to you.” Opening the gate, the guard waved him through.
Within the stone walls of the palace, Yori felt trapped. Having spent time in the forests, he no longer felt as comfortable indoors as he once did. Despite his uneasiness, he stood with his back straight, trying to appear dignified. He felt a bit silly, but he didn’t want to be mistaken for a servant or dismissed without the chance to see the king.