Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 129584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 648(@200wpm)___ 518(@250wpm)___ 432(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 648(@200wpm)___ 518(@250wpm)___ 432(@300wpm)
“I expected as much, what with his condition sitting like this for five hundred years.” Her expression became pinched, a little ashamed. “I wish our founders had thought it through and at least notified the other clans about where they were going. Checked to see if they were alright before leaving.”
Both men grunted in agreement. Sora’s parents hadn’t been alive during the great migration, of course. They were far too young for that. Sora tried not to judge anyone who’d had to make hard decisions in the heat of the moment. He had only an intellectual understanding of the pressures and heartbreak they’d faced at that time. It must have been beyond difficult to figure out the best course of action. Still, when he looked at King Alric and his own sweet Ravi, it was hard to not find fault with the way things had been handled.
“At least we can make up for it now.” His father settled his small travel laptop on the table and opened the lid, booting it up. “Right. Who all should come?”
Sora had already thought about this. “Before you start listing off people, one of the Burkhards here is very keen on learning more medicine. Tori. Have you met him?”
His father shrugged, but his mother nodded.
“Oh, yes, he’s very kind. And keen on herbology. I bumped into him at the greenhouse, and we had this wonderful discussion about everything he’s growing.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You say he wants to learn more of the medical trade?”
“Yes, he told me so himself. He’s apparently very interested, but has had no real way to study, aside from reading books. He’s been innovative with potions since his arrival here.”
Sora was torn about offering to teach Tori himself. His foray into teaching had gone well, so far, and the idea of teaching someone did excite him. Especially if it was an eager student, and he had a feeling Tori fell into that category. But he didn’t consider himself experienced enough to do a good job.
“That’s excellent news. Really, we can’t lend people to this clan indefinitely. We need to get their healing skills up, even if it’s by one person.”
Sora almost instinctively objected to this. It wouldn’t be just one person. Including himself, it would be two.
He almost said this aloud. Then realized what had just raced through his mind and paused, mouth chewing on words he couldn’t quite form.
Why had he automatically put himself at Burkhard Castle?
It was true that he’d been thinking long and hard on this, about what would be best. To stay here with Ravi or bring Ravi back to his own clan. There were pros and cons for either decision. He and Ravi had been up most of the night discussing it, trying to figure out the best course of action. Sora felt guilty for even suggesting Ravi leave, which had hampered the discussion some.
Ravi was so incredibly invested in and important to this clan. Ravi was also very hesitant about the idea of leaving his clan behind while they were still in danger.
Sora’s father seemed to sense his conflict, his heavy eyebrows lifting. “What? You’ve got a funny look on your face.”
Sora decided to voice his thoughts. He’d always been able to speak candidly with his parents, and it might be better to put the thought out there, instead of letting it ping-pong around in his head.
“Why do you assume that you’ll need to train someone here?”
His parents shared a baffled look, as if they didn’t understand the question.
“Well, they need a healer, don’t they?” His mother looked at him as if he’d lost a few marbles.
“Why do you assume I won’t be that healer?” Sora clarified.
“Ah, that’s what you meant.” His father opened his mouth, shot his wife another indecipherable look, then obviously reconsidered what he had been about to say. “Are you thinking you’ll stay here?”
“I don’t know yet,” Sora answered frankly. “Ravi and I have talked about this, but we haven’t made a decision.”
His mother leaned forward, hands braced on the table. “You’re absolutely certain Ravi is your mate, then? You said you thought he was, earlier. But you’re sure now?”
“Absolutely positive.” Sora had no doubt about that. His feelings were so intense that even he, a very cerebral thinker, sometimes felt overwhelmed by them.
She clapped her hands together, delighted. “I’m so glad, sweetheart. I must say, he was well worth the wait. Ravi’s such a happy person. And I love how the two of you interact. You bring out the best in each other, I think.”
Sora was happy to hear her say that and relieved both his parents seemed to think that Ravi was perfect for him. It saved that argument, at least. And it was always better when the parents approved of a spouse. It might also help with the impinging argument Sora could feel hovering on the horizon.