Epilogue

“I DON’T KNOW how you can concentrate with that cacophony outside.”

Michel-Leon glanced up at Constantin’s voice, awareness flooding back to him and with it the noise of construction under his window. He’d left it open to let in the warm early summer breeze laden with the scent of green and growing things. Constantin stood in the doorway with a workman’s smock covering his clothes to protect them from the dust that covered everything. “I’m used to constant noise. It’s soothing. Quiet is unnerving.”

“Have you finished yet? I thought you might walk with me to check out the progress we’ve made.” Constantin was no longer the man who hid behind rags and dirt, moving on from one city to the next, leaving behind only impressions. He’d laid foundations here in Sampigny as solid as the new foundations of the home they were building over the ashes of Michel-Leon’s ancestral home.

It was at times like this, in the quiet moments, Michel-Leon marveled at the turn his life had taken and how happy he was with those changes. He could remember many times being content, but Constantin and their love for each other had shown him a whole new world. The fact he could do the same for his lover was intensely gratifying.

Michel-Leon scanned over the notes he’d made about the woodwose they’d encountered a few weeks ago and shut his journal. His progress on updating the records was proceeding smoothly because of Raul. The young man was a prodigy of organization and found a like mind with Janvier.

Between the three of them, the chevaliers of the future would have detailed records to work with when battling monsters and investigating phenomena. Constantin was contributing as well with his intricate diagrams and pictures when needed. Régine preferred to stick to the practical training, which left Michel-Leon free to work on his records and experiments.

“I believe I have worked enough for the day.” Michel-Leon rose to place the journal in its assigned spot on the shelves lining his new study. He did not want to see Raul’s look of reproach if it was in the wrong position. He had taken on one too many mannerisms from Michel-Leon’s valet. “Has Janvier returned to the inn?”

Once his old friend had assured himself Constantin and Michel-Leon would take care of each other, he’d accepted his pension. It didn’t stop him from checking on them and Régine every few weeks. But after he’d satisfied himself all was still well, he’d return to his books and fire and great-grandchildren.

“He has, with considerable irritation over my hovering. It hasn’t escaped his notice that either you, I, or Régine accompany him each time.” Constantin stole a kiss, his brown eyes warm with affection. “Lyon has made considerable progress. The quarters for the new chevaliers are almost finished. They should be ready for occupation within a fortnight.”

“We have never used a school. It should be an apprenticeship with the ancestors overseeing.”

The grumble from his father was so predictable Michel-Leon smiled. The other ancestors were silent about the school. Saint Jeanne approved and that was all they needed. Michel-Leon had not forgotten his promise to her to build a better world. After they’d returned to the inn a few years ago, they set about doing that.

“Well, let us see what you’ve wrought. After they complete the barracks, we should focus on the workshops and library next.” They left their suite of rooms and headed outside. It did wonders for his heart to see his ancestral home renewed. He had delayed it too long.

This section had been completed first, with rooms for themselves, Régine, Raul, and Gabrielle. They made a strange family, but a family nonetheless. Which reminded Michel-Leon how quiet it had been for the last hour. “Where are Raul and Gabrielle?”

Constantin grimaced. “Gabrielle snuck out of her studies again, and Raul followed. I caught them because once they thought they were safe, they started squabbling. I passed them off to Régine, and she chased them around with a weapons lesson, which pleased her to no end. Once I deemed they had enough, I sent them to Lyon for chores. Tomorrow, they should be too tired to sneak off.”

Michel-Leon laughed as they stepped out into the sunlight. The courtyard teemed with activity. Régine’s red hair gleamed as she leaned against the inner wall and studied her afternoon students’ sparring. She lifted her hand in a wave, and Michel-Leon returned the gesture. The barracks roof was completed and the stone walls would last for generations. Lyon emerged from the doorway, two figures in his wake who broke away as soon as they spied Michel-Leon and Constantin.

Gabrielle, as usual, was in front, clad in the trousers she had taken to wearing in imitation of Régine. Once Gabrielle had reunited with Constantin, and he reassured her she always had a home with him, her confidence and daring blossomed. Raul had been slower to trust. Though Constantin had healed most of the damage wrought by Vautrin, his mouth still carried a small, permanent slant that appeared as if he had a secret smile. Michel-Leon thought the expression suited him.

“Constantin! Monsieur Lyon let us install some windows! I used the hammer.” She glanced at Michel-Leon through her lashes. “I mostly completed my studies first.”

“Weren’t you supposed to see me afterward for more lessons?” Michel-Leon asked in a grave voice to tease her, and her eyes widened innocently.

“Régine says exercising our bodies is as important as exercising our minds,” Gabrielle swiftly countered, and Constantin affectionately tugged on her braid.

“I think half your sentences start with ‘Régine says,’ ma petite chouette.”

“We knew you were close to finishing your report,” Raul came to Gabrielle’s defense. Despite their initial rocky start and many arguments, the two had become family in their own way. “We didn’t want to disturb you. Did you finish?”

“I did and returned the book to its proper place.” Michel-Leon laid his hand on Raul’s shoulder. For a long time, that had been the sole expression of affection he’d allowed. He had grown again, and soon Michel-Leon would be looking up at him instead of right in his eyes. He had become a young man and was more than ready to take on the mantle of chevalier. It wouldn’t be too more many years before Gabrielle would be fighting to go out at his side.

“Why don’t you two show us our new barracks?” Michel-Leon suggested. “We can go back to the lessons tomorrow.”

“They won’t be able to keep their eyes open over their books,” Constantin said with a laugh as they raced off again. Each one eager to be the first to show them the new developments. “Well, Gabrielle, at least. Raul appears more interested in that aspect of his training.”

“It doesn’t hurt to take a step away and run out to play in the sun from time to time,” Michel-Leon said, and Constantin cut him a laughing glance.

“I wish Janvier and Régine were around to hear that one.”

“Especially since Raul has been hinting more and more about his willingness to take on easier assignments. We ought to consider bringing him along on occasion,” Michel-Leon suggested.

“We can discuss that later.” Constantin cast a glance around at all the activity and then directed a look at Michel-Leon filled with heat. “After Gabrielle and Raul give us our tour, what do you say to running away for the afternoon to play in the sun?”

Michel-Leon smiled shyly at him. “I think I could be persuaded.” He touched his hand to Constantin in unspoken anticipation of that moment. “Let us take a look around, and then it will be solely you and I for a time.”

Constantin’s answering smile warmed all the places in Michel-Leon’s once lonely soul.

“My lord, my lord!”

Michel-Leon spun about at the call and saw a messenger riding in from the direction of the inn. There was urgency in his voice, but not fear. That was a good sign, though it might mean their afternoon was interrupted.

“What news do you bring?” he asked as the man slowed his horse to a walk.

“News from Alsace, my lord. The goblins have returned, and the villagers are asking for you to come parlay.”

Michel-Leon glanced at Constantin, his eyes wide with surprise, and then glanced toward where Raul and Gabrielle had disappeared before throwing back his head and laughing.

“What is it?” Constantin asked, his gaze mystified.

“A nuisance, no more. The goblins found their loophole.” Michel-Leon turned his attention to the messenger. “Let them know we will be on our way within a couple of days and remind them not to antagonize the little beasts. It will make the situation worse.”

“It appears Raul will have his chance,” Michel-Leon murmured as the messenger rode off. He smiled at Constantin, a smile filled with promise. “We can tell him later, after our time in the sun.”

“I am looking forward to it, my love.”