Entering his next destination, Stern again got into line. The post was like the bank, built of the same marble as most governmental buildings. There were no pillars out front of the post, though. It was a thoroughly utilitarian structure— there were no chairs or tables to sit at, just locked metal boxes along the biggest wall inside. The business counters were on the far side of the room, serving people one at a time.
Pawly chuffed at him as she sat beside him.
He glanced down at her. “Yeah, it’s always a wait here, but I want to see if they sent a reply.”
Pawly looked at the line, then back up at him and waved a paw.
“Wish I could do that sometimes,” Stern chuckled. “Fine, go home.”
Pawly faded away, and a harsh gasp came from behind him.
“Sorry,” Stern said, not looking back. “She’s a summons, and that’s just how she leaves.”
“Oh, uh... right.”
The line moved slowly, slower than the bank’s line had. He could hear one woman at the counter being a pain. Her voice grew louder and, eventually, she demanded to see a manager. When she did, Stern heard his father’s voice in his head: Why do people think that, just because they ask for a manager, they’ll get their way?
Stern shook the thought away as he watched a tall man with large, gray ears come out of the back. The drama at least gave Stern something to watch while he waited. The woman continued to argue with the manager before eventually, she stormed away.
The manager sighed, then raised his voice to be heard by everyone waiting, “Sorry for the delay.” With that, he left the front, going back to his office.
The clerk that had been getting yelled at waved at Stern, as he was the next in line. “How can… I help you?” The pause and then almost croaked last three words went along with the man’s fear.
“Checking to see if I have mail,” Stern said, holding his hand palm side up, using the other to tap his badge.
The clerk’s eye went to the badge. With a shuddering breath, his fear abated. “Of course, of course.” Snatching the tablet off the counter, the clerk set it on Stern’s hand. After a moment, he removed it and looked at the name, his eyebrows going up. “I’ll be right back.”
Stern exhaled slowly, hoping it wasn’t going to be like the bank. He didn’t wait long— just a minute— before the clerk came back with two letters. Stern thanked the man as he took them and left.
Pausing on the street, Stern considered reading the letters right there. No... might need a shoulder. I’ll head back to the inn. With that thought in mind, he let his feet carry him back to the Steaming Cup.
~*~*~
Entering the suite, Stern paused. Vulk was sitting at the table, holding his head with one hand as he slowly ate the breakfast that had been left for him. “Afternoon, Vulk.”
Vulk winced and glanced back. “Not so loud, please,” he whispered.
“Didn’t hydrate before bed?”
“Forgot...” Vulk grumbled.
“You drinking now?” Stern asked.
Vulk touched the steaming mug in front of him. “I hate willow bark tea, but it helps.”
“Yeah, it can, I’ve heard,” Stern said.
“Where is everyone?”
“Shopping for things. We’ll be hitting the dungeon tomorrow.”
“I’ll go light tonight, then,” Vulk muttered.
“We’d appreciate it.”
Vulk sipped at the steaming cup and grimaced. “Me, too. Hate this tea.”
“Did it to yourself,” Stern said. “See you in a bit. We’ll probably have dinner together tonight.”
Vulk muttered something that Stern didn’t make out.
Shaking his head, Stern went into the bedroom. He didn’t want to read his letters in front of Vulk, since he wasn’t sure what they said. He opened the curtains to allow as much light in as possible, then took a seat on the bed.
Both envelopes had his full name on them, and Stern grimaced. He knew it had to be done— otherwise, he’d never get his mail. One had an elegant, cursive script, and the other had a rough, block print. Stern touched the block print that was obviously his father’s writing. He set that one aside and opened the cursive one first.
Stern,
I cleared up the issue in Bloodstone. Mary was upset with what they tried to do to you, and even more upset about Cyra. That city got my full attention for a few days. It was fine, as we were taking downtime from the last run.
We’ll be heading north soon, maybe by the time you read this letter. The next dungeon was found and construction of the city is already starting. There’s hope that the next one of the tier will be found soon, as well.
It’s going to be unpleasant for a bit, as the blighted are currently being pushed farther back. We’ll be leaving the children with your siblings, who are studying to go down to the first three dungeons.
I’m glad I gave you that letter now. If I had known it would be needed for things like that, I would have made the wording more pointed. It did the job and gave you a fair go, even if you did have to invoke the zone of truth in the end.
Mary wanted to go and see you, but decided against it in the end. We understand your drive to prove yourself separate from the rest of us. We will come to see you eventually, but we’ll be discreet about it, so don’t worry.
You did the right thing for Cyra. Your father and mothers will be proud. I’m holding off on telling them, as I’m sure that would cause a real blowup in Bloodstone. Know that you did the right thing for the right reasons. That’s not surprising, though, considering your parents.
Until we see each other again, try to stay out of trouble?
Gerald
Stern exhaled slowly as he set the letter aside.
Stern summoned Pawly, scooping her up right away and holding her to his chest.
Pawly let out a soft meow and headbutted his chin.
“It’s okay. I read Gerald’s letter first. Basically what I thought. They cleared the last starium dungeon and are already pushing north. No idea what that tier is going to be called, but I’m sure we’ll find out after they finish it.”
“Meow.”
“Yeah. Time for dad’s letter,” Stern said, setting Pawly on the bed beside him. With a deep breath, he picked up the second letter and just looked at the envelope for a moment. Rubbing his face with one hand, he opened it and began to read.
Son,
That was quite the letter. A lot to unpack in it. First, we’re proud of you. Very proud. What you did, collecting Cyra’s shards, was the right thing to do. Bringing her out and giving her a chance, all because of her grandmother asking you to? That made all of us happy to hear.
The bullshit with Skippy... well, you did what had to be done. I have a story to tell you when we see each other again. Two stories, actually. I’ve never told any of you my full past and what it all means. I’m going to change that; I’ll be telling your siblings before they go off to the academies. It’s even more important for them, as the Travelers will likely be here by then.
I cussed Gerald out after I heard about the letter and that he kept the court stuff from us. Things got tense for a minute, but Mary and your mom got us to settle down. I apologized and thanked him. He did something I didn’t do, and you obviously needed it. I thought about doing something similar, but your request for us to stay out of it stayed my hand. I’ve given you a second letter with this one— it’s similar to Gerald’s. Use it as you need to, but I wanted you to have a second safety net.
Now, as for the news of your relationships, I’m happy to hear it. Your mothers are all talking about taking a trip down to meet them. I got them to wait until you hit the copper ranks, at least. It’ll also give us the chance to do it, while giving you the deniability you might want, to keep the separation you asked for.
That means we’ll be heading north to the new city and hitting that dungeon. Your brothers and sisters are staying put for now. The blighted are being a pain as the new city goes up, and we won’t risk our children like that. We’ll wait to hear that you’ve cleared the tin ranks and are going north to the nickel dungeons. Make sure to send that letter.
As for your request, I’ve hired some people to dig into it. Might take a bit to find out. That was years ago and before Rescue Squad, but we’ll find something. It’s up to you if you tell her, but we’re working on it, or people are for us.
We’re all glad you’re safe, and happy, from the sound of it. Now, a confession from me: I had an acquaintance head down and wait around to check on you. Frank is a good guy and he helped fill me in on what happened. It was how I knew to get on Gerald about the court. Hope you’ll forgive me, but as a parent, I’ll always worry for my kids. No matter how old you get, you’ll still be my little boy.
Okay, I’ve got to end this, or else it’ll turn into a book all on its own. Give Pawly our love and thank her for us. She was a blessing, always being there for you. Tell your girlfriends hi and that we’re looking forward to meeting them. Take care of yourselves. Remember, keep your eyes open and stay wary.
Your proud father and loving mothers,
Seamus, Stacia, Karen, and Julia
Stern swallowed the lump in his throat and set the letter down. Pawly immediately pushed into his lap, purring as she sat on him. Stern sniffed once, then held her lightly, letting her love sink into him.
“They say they love you, and thanks for keeping me alive,” Stern whispered in a thick voice.
Pawly chuffed and headbutted his chest.
“Yeah, you know I love you already. They want to see us when we reach copper. Probably use the Rescue Squad guildhall to do it.”
He heard the door to the suite open and female voices. Taking a deep breath, he let Pawly go and wiped the few tears away from his face. Pawly chuffed before jumping down and going to the door.
It took him a moment to compose himself. He got the letters tucked away, then went out to the living area. “Welcome home,” he said.
“Thanks. We got salve for everyone, and other odds and ends,” Trish said.
“That a new shirt?” Vulk asked his sister.
Cammie nodded. “It is. My old one was wearing thin. Trish and Cyra got a new shirt each, too. If you’d been awake, you could have come with us.”
Vulk looked away from her. “No need. My clothing is fine.”
“There’s a small tear in the back of your shirt,” Cyra said softly.
“I’ll get it replaced after the dungeon, then,” Vulk said tightly.
Cammie started to say something, but Trish beat her to the moment, “Vulk, we’ll be hitting the dungeon tomorrow. You’ll be ready?”
“Yes!” Vulk snapped. He coughed, then said it again, more calmly, “Yes.”
“We’ll be doing dinner in an hour or two,” Trish said. “I suggest an early night for everyone so we’re at the top of our game for tomorrow.”
“Yes,” Cammie said, her eyes digging into her brother.
“For the best,” Stern said.
Cyra was watching him, looking pensive. “Everything okay?”
“I’ll tell you after dinner,” Stern said. “I’m sure others will be having conversations then, too.”
“Oh, we will,” Cammie said, her eyes still glued to Vulk.
Trish saw the stiffness in Stern’s posture and nodded. “Okay. Let’s get everything put away before we do anything else.”