I remember a promise I made to myself, all the way back near a ruined shack on the edge of Tarrin. I cannot put it off any longer or I fear I’ll never ask.
“Robyn,” I start, interrupting the comfortable silence between us. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
“What’s that?” she says, she continues looking ahead.
“Well, I-” I stammer, how had my speech been so clear in my head only moments ago.
“You what?” Robyn says.
“I was wondering-” I begin again.
“What were you wondering?” she interrupts.
I turn to her, her lip curls slightly upwards as she tries to continue staring ahead.
“You’re messing with me!” I grin.
“Of course, I am,” she bursts out laughing. “Do you want to ask me out now that you’re some big-time hero, is that it?”
“No, of course not-” I blurt out, why won’t my words come out as I want them. They’re right there, on the tip of my tongue, but as soon as they leave my mouth, they come out all mixed and jumbled.
She finally stops and turns to face me, she doesn’t try and hide her smile anymore. Her hair glows in the firelight and her leafy green eyes stare into my own with a new intensity.
“You’re doing it again, aren’t you?” I say, unable to keep my relief from showing.
“Always,” she whispers.
She leans forwards. Her lips find mine. Everything else slips away around us. Her fingers lightly brush the still healing wound in my side. I ignore the small jabbing stings as her hands gently bring me closer until we are pressed against each other.
She pulls away much sooner than I’d like. Then again, if it were up to me, we would stand here for the rest of eternity. She teases me with a beautiful smile before starting back towards the gathering in front of us.
Avlym’s feast is waiting, I jog a few steps to catch up with her. We walk towards the fire, the conversation, the drinking, the laughter. Mother and Randall have joined now and sit next to each other, it’s perhaps the first time I can ever remember seeing my mother truly happy.
Orrian has saved us a spot next to him, he’s already tucking into a large piece of meat. I watch as he rips off a chunk to give to my sister.
As we approach, something brushes against my side. We don’t look at each other, neither of us need to. Robyn warmly squeezes my hand as my fingers find hers.
Together, we join our people.
Acknowledgements
First I would like to thank my parents. Dad, this is all thanks to you sharing your love of books with me and I could never have done this without all of your support, proof-reading, and general idea-bouncing. Mum, this is for your endless supply of creativity and inspiration (and of course teaching me how to read in the first place). You were the one to give me the imagination needed to create this world through these pages.
Secondly, I must of course thank my friends. There are too many of you whose support and encouragement has helped make this possible but you know who you are and I will forever be grateful.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and alumni of Collingwood College at Durham University for their support and generosity towards the publication of this novel through the 1972 fund.
