Book 1 Chapter 16: Summons

Months later, Vero found himself still at a loss on how to proceeded. He closed a book and returned it to the shelf. Vero sighed as he looked around the Library. Ylva had fallen asleep at her desk and true to form, so had Filtiarn. He quietly retreated and grabbed a few blankets, knowing the winter chill would disturb their much needed sleep. He warmed the fabric by the fire and then settled it gently across each one. He noticed the Filtiarn had his cheek across the edge of one book and knew it would leave an imprint on his face. He suppressed a chuckle and quietly left the room. He locked up behind himself, still ever cautious. As he walked towards the kitchen another servant ran up to him.

“Master Vero, do ya know where de Ulrikan’s are?” the young lad asked.

“Of course. They’re sleeping right now. What’s the rush?” he answered noting the anxious look in the lad’s eyes.

“I’ve a report to ‘and to them,” he said, holding out a letter. Vero noticed the seal and his tail went rigid. He hadn’t seen that type of seal in a long while. He sighed and took the missive and walked away. He then circled back and began to walk to the master. Despite wanting to let them sleep, he knew this was something he could not ignore.

As he slowly creaked open the door he could hear Ylva’s voice.

“Filtiarn,” she growled out as if warning.

“You know me too well my dear,” he said. Vero peeked in and saw the master rise. Well, no need to wake them then. Ylva stepped back a few steps as she brought up her hands defensively, ready to strike. Vero wondered if now was a good time, as that stance was her martial arts. He slipped in after shrugging to himself. So long as it wasn’t directed at him, it didn’t matter so much. He heard Filtiarn laugh then looked up to see her hands trapped in his. They were frozen like that and the sparks that passed between them were enough to keep Vero out of sight.

“You never change,” Filtiarn said as he relaxed.

“And you don’t either,” she remarked. Vero noticed Filtiarn lean down and he closed his eyes, knowing what would happen. After a moment he cleared his throat, allowing them to know he was there. These two. FIltiarn was unashamed of his affections to his wife and Ylva always was throwing up retorts as if she was annoyed, but not enough to stop him. When he looked at them, FIltiarn was looking back at Vero and Ylva wiped her lips and glared up at FIltiarn.

Vero held out the letter and Filtiarn noticed the seal and quickly snatched it from him. He broke the seal and began reading the contents. Filtiarn’s expression went from panic to dread and worry.

“What is it sir?” Vero asked calmly. Filtiarn looked up at him with a sad smile and ruffled his hair.

“Nothing that a young lad like you need to worry about,” Filtiarn said. Vero scowled. Being treated like a child again. He was already aware of where that seal came from and the types of troubles it represented. But to be told not to worry like a child irked him. Instead of showing it on his face he shrugged and walked to a part of the library he had been studying from before he had left for blankets.

“Filtiarn,” Ylva whispered, Vero listening while pretending not to pay attention. “What is it?” she asked.

“It looks like I’m being summoned away again,” he replied. Ylva was quiet for a time. “When do you leave,” she asked, wavered a little.

“Two days,” he responded.

“When will you be back?” she asked softly.

“I don’t know. Could be a week, could be a year,” he answered and a lump settled in their throats.

“But why?” She asked. Vero knew it all to well.

“It seems like sparks of rebellion and war are hanging over us in the northern lands. I’ve been asked by an old friend to come help deal with them,” Filtiarn said softly. Vero sighed and closed the book he was looking at. He peered back at them. This matter could be small or large and the uncertainty it always brought was both annoying and important.

“But why you?” she asked, a hint of anger welling in her voice. Filtiarn looked down at her in surprise.

“I thought you would be overjoyed to have me out of your hair. You certainly don’t like affection and it seems like you just tolerate my presence,” he said. She seemed to want to growl at him.

“I don’t like it so often, but I still like you,” she said, leaning back and folding her arms as a frown drew itself on her face.

“Only ‘like’ me?” he asked, an eyebrow raising in amusement. This earned a scoff from her. Which caused him to chuckle before taking her hand and kissing it. She looked away out of embarrassment, almost letting her eyes wander to see if anyone was watching. A habit she had acquired after being caught with others looking at them as he showered her with affection. Vero quickly looked away, but he was certain she had noticed.

“You get more and more beautiful each day, I just hope it doesn’t kill me to be away from you, my beloved Ylva,” Filtiarn whispered. There was a pause before Vero heard them begin to walk to the door of the library.

Vero sighed. He knew his master very well over the course of their studies and he knew the two would desire to be left alone. Particularly his master. He would spend time with his wife before leaving and because of the uncertainty of the situation, he would probably demand it. Vero mentally made a note to tell the other servants to restrict their interaction with the couple. Vero shook his head. No use following or taking care of them these next few days. Other than making sure Filtiarn’s supplies were ready for his departure, Vero would not try to seek them out.