“We’ll find her,” Versillion promised, hugging him tightly.
The three brothers stared at each other and then laughed, and Jerrol looked away at the intensity of their reunion. “I’ll leave you to get reacquainted. A couple of hours, Tagerill, I’ll meet you back up at the house.” He left them shimmering back into the tree and returned to the house.
Jerrol’s stomach growled, and he went to find some food. Following his nose, he managed to reach the kitchen before anyone found him and sweet-talked the cook into dishing up a bowl of stew and letting him sit at the kitchen table to eat it. Jerrol and the cook were discussing the intricacies of bread puddings when Jennery tracked him down.
“Jerrol, I been searching all over for you; you’re not trying to get an advance on dessert, are you?” He glanced around the kitchen. “What have you done with your Sentinals?”
“They’re around somewhere. How is Simeon doing?”
“He’s not a bad lad, and now he’s got rid of that chip on his shoulder, he’ll be fine. He had the guts to address his guests and promised to rearrange the confirmation where they would welcome the Lady to Greenswatch and celebrate his father’s life.”
“Good. What about everyone else?”
“Garrick has removed the spell from some of his men, and they are recovering in their barracks. Captain Bryce and Captain Robert’s men secure the perimeter. Lieutenant Jennery, Lady Alyssa and the gentlemen are all in the Picture Room, which is off the ballroom. I believe most of the guests have now departed.”
“Good, I think our work here is done.” Jerrol rubbed his temples, trying to soothe the ache away. “Let’s finish it off and get back on the road.”
Jerrol and Jennery were about to enter the Picture Room as Tagerill and his brother Versillion approached. Jennery stopped at the sight of the two Sentinals, clearly related and talking intently. Tagerill was waving his hands about as he shared some tale or other, while his brother just shook his head in disbelief. They broke off and saluted as they reached Jerrol.
“Captain,” Tagerill burbled, his joy at finding his brother overflowing, “we await your command. What do you need of us?”
Jerrol returned the salute. “Let’s introduce Versillion to his Lord Guardian. And then we need to return to Old Vespers.”
“I explained what happened here. Versillion is ready.”
“Indeed, Captain, it would be my honour to stand by Lord Simeon.”
“Good,” Jerrol said with relief, “let’s get on with it.” Following Jennery, they entered the drawing room.
Alyssa stood and crossed the room. “Captain Haven, thank you for returning my brother to me.”
Jerrol bowed over her hands. “I’m glad I could help; we were fortunate.”
“Indeed, we were.” She moved to stand beside Jennery, her hand unconsciously reaching for his arm.
Jerrol watched them, a brief smile flitting across his face before he turned to Simeon. “Lord Simeon, I have someone to introduce to you.” He gestured for Versillion to step forward. “Sentinal Versillion is here to help protect Greenswatch as he has done for the last three thousand years or so,” he announced into the stunned silence as Simeon’s jaw dropped and everyone stared at the tall man with the dark red hair.
“My Lord Simeon.” Versillion bowed, his voice low and sincere. “It is my honour to serve the Guardian and the Watch.”
“W-what?” Simeon stammered.
“Versillion, Tagerill and Birlerion lived here in Greens when the Watch was first created. They are your family and Versillion will stay here and help you hold the Watch. He will protect you and the Lady Alyssa until you can hold the confirmation and invoke the Lady’s protection. You don’t need to fear the Ascendants taking hold again, Versillion will prevent that,” Jerrol said.
“S-Sentinal Versillion, it is a very great pleasure to meet you.” Simeon stared at the Sentinal in awe.
Alyssa moved towards Versillion. “Welcome home,” she said as she took his hands. His silver eyes widened as the Lady’s thrill passed between them. “Guardian,” he said with a low bow.
“Haven,” Lord William said, standing, “how is this possible?”
Jerrol grinned sympathetically. “I did tell you I was the Captain of the Guard; what I omitted to say was that my Guards are the Lady’s Sentinals.”
Lord William stared at him hopefully. “Can you wake mine up? There is a Sentinal standing guard over Marchwood. And Marcus has two. I think we need all the help we can get.”
“I have to report back to the King first. I suggest that when you return home, you engage with the Sentinals, explain the situation. They are stirring and will hear you. I will return once I have seen the King. Lady Olivia, I would recommend you stay with Lady Alyssa for now until I can speak to the King. Once I know the King is secure, I will come and escort you to court, and we can request his help for your son.”
Alyssa spoke up immediately. “Olivia, you must stay with us until we can return you home.”
Olivia smiled her thanks. “Do you think waking the Deepwater Sentinal would help Aaron? I hate to think of him under their control and so helpless. The damage they could do to the Watch if we don’t stop them could be irreversible.”
Deep down, Jerrol agreed, but he had delayed too long already. The urgency to return to the King was building. “I need to go to Vespers first, then we will plan our next steps. Bryce, if you could accompany Hannah back to Stoneford and report, so Jason knows what is going on. Hopefully, Chryllion has routed out all those that were affected by now.”
“Chryllion is awake?” Versillion was delighted.
“And Saerille,” Tagerill replied with a grin.
“Yes, and Simeon, I am sure you will need to check out the councillors at the Grove. Versillion will help. Their names may even be listed in the book. I am sure they have been affected,” Jerrol said.
“Once Garrick has finished with his men, we will move on to the council. We will keep Mer’iteras confined here until you
