Free Pendant of Fortune by Kyell Gold Page A

expecting.” Tish traced a pattern on the arm of the chair. “They didn’t want to bear the cub and then move to the palace, so it’ll be born in the palace.”
    “ He wasn’t happy about that,” Volle said softly.
    Tish shook his head. “No. Nor was she.”
    “ I’m sorry.” Volle followed his train of thought away from the prickly subject. “How is…Ilyana? And Volyan?”
    “ They’re fine and safe in Vinton, last I heard. Ilyana wasn’t happy, but Dereath hasn’t made any move and so she’s just waiting to see how the hearing comes out.” He paused. “Volyan is a fine cub. She always speaks of him as bright and playful.”
    Volle nodded. “I should have gone to visit him more often. I thought I’d have time.”
    “ You may yet, my boy. We’ll do our best to see that you get that chance.”
    “ I could have gone this past year.”
    “ It was best that you not leave Ferrenis.” Again Tish lowered his voice to a whisper. “You were safest where you were.”
    “ I know.”
    They sat in silence for a few moments after that. Volle noticed that the window closest to him had a lovely view of the valley. He watched the last vestiges of the sunset, noticing the subtle changes in color as his eyes adjusted to the darkening room.
    “ I’d better get back,” he said finally. “Helfer’s planning a dinner.”
    “ You should. We’ll see you tomorrow.” Tish stood at the same time Volle did, and they embraced again, nuzzling. “Have a safe trip back.”
    “ Tell Tika I’ll see her soon.”
    Tish smiled. “I will.”
    Volle found his way back to the main gate without incident. He passed several lords and ladies, and to the few who recognized him and waved, he waved back with a smile. The ones who recognized him but did not greet him, he smiled to anyway. At the main door, Renaldo bowed to him, and he said a quick goodbye to the servant before climbing in the waiting buggy and huddling against the wind, which was even sharper now that the sun had set.
    In the darkness, the trip back down the mountain seemed much less scenic and much more treacherous. Even his night-adjusted eyes couldn’t pierce some of the pools of darkness, and the monochromatic landscape defined by the soft moonlight seemed angular and forbidding. He supposed the driver could see the road, but there was no telling what might be lurking by the side, or around the next corner. He forced himself to settle back and relax.
    You’ve walked around the farm any number of nights, he told himself, and answered immediately. Yes, but that was familiar, especially after a month. I knew each hillock, each trench, and there were no surprises.
    And Streak was there.
    He sighed, thinking of the comforting arm of the white wolf around his shoulder or waist, and was glad that he was heading toward him. As he thought this, he heard a clatter and saw another horse to his left, then the buggy it was pulling. The shape inside was shrouded in darkness, and though he tried hard to see who was hidden there, the buggy had whisked past before he could make out even a silhouette.
    Who would be visiting the castle at this late hour? Or returning? His fur prickled with a twinge of anxiety, then again, he forced himself to relax. Everything isn’t a threat, he told himself.
    Nevertheless, he was glad to see the silvery shape of Helfer’s mansion growing larger, and gladder still when the buggy stopped outside the main gate. He disembarked carefully, helped by Roferro, who opened the gate for him and escorted him inside.
    Streak was sitting on the bed, paws folded into his lap. He looked up as Volle came in and smiled, but the smile seemed forced.
    “ Hi,” Volle said, and crossed the room to him. “Thanks for waiting. I promise I’ll take you up—we’ll go up together tomorrow.”
    Streak nodded, and hugged Volle. “It’s okay. I had a nice talk with Helfer before he left to prepare dinner. He’s a nice guy.”
    “ He really is. I’m glad you think