Free Avelynn by Marissa Campbell

they got back. My chest felt a little lighter.
    Bertram stood, his old knees creaking, and sat on a bench, patting the wood beside him. I sat down.
    â€œYour father wants to know if you will manage the affairs of the manor and oversee the village’s administration while he is gone.”
    â€œHe wants me left in charge?” I narrowed my eyes at Bertram. It didn’t seem possible.
    â€œSigberht’s father died two days past, and he returned to Kent to settle his estate. Your father could have picked any number of men, but he chose you. Perhaps you will see this for what it is.”
    â€œAnd what is that?”
    He rose to leave. “An olive branch.”
    I was silent a moment. “What of Edward?”
    â€œHe’s to travel to Rome with your father.”
    I felt a fleeting pang of jealousy. My younger brother would see the world and travel in companionship with my father, a privilege I’d hoped to earn as his eldest child. But mostly, I felt loss. After Mother’s passing, Edward came to me for comfort, and I welcomed his attentions and the chance to provide the reassurance and love he needed without restraint. I would miss him.
    I went to the window where the shutters had been thrown back to let in the warm March sun and considered the offer. I suspected my father’s decision to leave me in charge was heavily influenced by Bertram. He alone never doubted my abilities.
    Outside, the manor was bustling with activity. Men carried barrels and crates filled with goods imported from overseas, women worked on vertical looms, bringing their craft outside to take advantage of the milder temperatures and longer daylight. Two old men sat on stumps, engrossed in thought, a wooden game table between them. Pages scurried and maids rushed back and forth between supply sheds and the kitchens, always prepping, always preparing meals for the manor and its wards. This was supposed to be my legacy, these people my responsibility. I wouldn’t give it up so easily. I turned back to Bertram. This was the chance I’d been waiting for, the opportunity to finally prove myself as a competent leader—a leader who didn’t need a husband to make decisions for her. “Tell him I will ensure everything is managed proficiently. He leaves Wedmore in good hands.”
    â€œExcellent.”
    The door opened, and Edward flew in.
    â€œAvelynn, Avelynn, I’m to go to Rome with Father!”
    â€œYes, I hear.”
    â€œI’m to go on a boat, and climb over mountains, and see the pope.”
    â€œMinding your manners the entire time,” Bertram said, looking down his austere nose at the jubilant sprite.
    â€œOf course.” Edward straightened.
    â€œYou represent the noble Saxons. You are our spokesman, our example. You must behave accordingly.”
    Edward puffed his chest and stood taller.
    â€œGood day, Avelynn, Edward.” Bertram nodded and left.
    I turned my attention back to the beaming face in front of me. He would learn much on this trip and return a worldly young man. I would miss his tenth birth day.
    â€œFather said we might even encounter pirates or Vikings on the trip.”
    â€œWell, you must be careful then. I want you to return in one piece.”
    He rooted through a cold pot of stew, turned his nose up at the congealed contents, and reached into the breadbasket, grabbing a small loaf. He poked the coarse crust with his finger and wormed his way to the soft center.
    â€œFather is bringing lots of men to accompany us,” he mumbled through a mouthful of bread. “We will be very safe.”
    Crumbs collected on the front of his cloak. I brushed them away. “I’ll miss you.”
    â€œI know.” He looked down at his feet.
    I opened my arms, and he leaned into me.
    â€œWe shall have a fabulous feast upon your return,” I promised, letting him pull away. Empty hands dropped to my sides.
    â€œI will bring you back something