The Vaetra Chronicles: Book 01 - Vaetra Unveiled (31 page)

Since we were still traveling together, I split the watch with them, taking the first shift. Meldon curled up next to the fire and promptly fell asleep.

I sat on a log near the fire and stared up at the stars thinking about the future. I looked at my hands, turning them over in the flickering light of the campfire at my back, wondering if these were the hands of a sorcerer. Were my days as a Raven Company man over forever? Would Dela hate me when I told her what I was and that I was leaving? How did one make a living as a sorcerer?

The soft crunch of leaves and needles alerted me to someone approaching the fire from the camp behind me. I stood and turned around to discover Sulana walking over from where her team was camped nearby. Over at their fire, Talon and Ebnik sat near each other and were engaged in quiet conversation.

"May I share your fire for a moment?" Sulana asked me quietly with a smile.

Her features were emphasized by the firelight reflecting off her face, making a halo of her blond hair. Shadows deepened her dimples, and reflections of the firelight danced in her eyes. I was struck by how such a strong woman could have such delicate beauty.

"Please do. I could use the conversation...and the distraction," I said.

She came over and we sat down next to each other with our backs to the fire. "You do have a lot to think about, don't you?"

"Yes, it's more than my poor mind can handle at the moment."

"Anything I can do to help?"

"I don't know. I'm concerned that I might be running away from something, rather than running toward something."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, there's Raven Company. My commitment to Borlan is almost up anyway, so leaving won't be a problem there. He'll be disappointed because he's short-handed right now, but he's used to dealing with that. Since things picked up, the last few jobs have been...harrowing. But that describes a lot of the work I've done in the past, and there's no reason to believe things will get any better if I learn sorcery."

I glanced at her, and she just nodded, letting me go on.

"Then there's the inn and Dela. From the beginning, my role was to be that of a silent partner, but then Dela's father Griz died. I couldn't just leave her and her mother on their own, so I found myself becoming increasingly involved in the running of the inn. That's a job I never wanted. At the same time, Dela decided it was all meant to be. Well, that we were meant to be together. But..."

"You don't love her." Sulana said softly.

My brow furrowed. "No, I do love her, but not like that. I don't want to
marry
her. I've known her since she was a child, and to me she still is, even though she has grown into a capable woman. I guess...I guess I love her like a sister, but it would break her heart to hear me say that."

Sulana glanced back over her shoulder at her camp site. "I think I understand. Daven and I have known each other since we were both children, and I love him like a brother. I think he wants more from me than I'm able to give."

I snorted. "You think?"

She gave me a light punch on the arm. "Hey, we're sharing serious stuff here," she protested.

"Sorry. Daven has made his feelings about
me
abundantly clear since the beginning."

She shrugged. "He's jealous."

I half-turned toward her and looked deeply into her eyes. "Does he have anything to be jealous of?" I asked her seriously.

She returned my stare, keeping a straight face, but her eyes took on a mischievous glint. "You tell me."

I took advantage of the moment to luxuriate in our closeness and her attention. That tingling sensation and tightness in my chest had returned. "I certainly hope so." I slid my hand over to cover hers.

She smiled and turned her hand over and twined her fingers into mine. "There you go being optimistic again. Where there's hope, there's possibility." She broke eye contact and looked down at the ground. "Did it help to talk about what's on your mind?"

I was silent for a moment, looking at her profile, taking in the soft curve of her neck and the firelight glowing in the hair that fell down along her back.

"I think so. Nothing will make it easy, but knowing more about the alternatives is always a good thing."

We sat on the log hand-in-hand through most of my watch. We said little more. Mostly, we just enjoyed the moment of silence and nearness to each other. Having her support eased my fears and gave me courage to face the uncertainties of the future.

Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new day, and for me, a new life.

I could not have written this book without the friends and family who helped shape my past and continue to influence my life today. I'd first like to thank my wife, who is my best friend and my #1 supporter. Thanks to my mom Suzanne for always telling me that I can do whatever I set my mind to and for encouraging me to read at an early age. Thanks to my brother Glenn and sister Monique for their enthusiastic support of my fiction-writing goals.

My critique partners and beta readers were essential in helping me refine the story and improve my writing. I owe special thanks to Cynthia Daffron, Kathy Goughenour, and Paul Sheriff for their encouragement and their critique.

I'd also like to thank Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson for filling my head with fantasy adventures, mythical creatures, and a taste for magic back in the 70's and 80's as I played Dungeons and Dragons with my friends. I had no idea back then that my creative efforts as a Dungeon Master would one day grow into a desire to write a fantasy novel.

I would be remiss to leave out a mention of Bethesda Softworks. If I hadn't gotten so deeply wrapped up in Oblivion, I never would have reached the conclusion that I needed to do something more creative with my time and imagination.

Daniel R. Marvello writes fantasy adventure stories from his log home on forty acres of forested land in the North Idaho panhandle. The setting for his Vaetra Chronicles book series was inspired by the scenic beauty of his surroundings. Daniel shares his home with his loving wife of 20 years and several wonderful animals. He hopes to one day own a horse like Patches.

Visit Daniel's blog at:
www.DanielRMarvello.com

Visit the Vaetra Chronicles Web site at:
www.Vaetra.com