The falcon's daughters

Chapter 37

The old man had left his simple home just after the day awakened and wandered through the city's paved streets until he reached the royal palace. Memories washed over him as he looked at the magnificent building. Eight months had passed since he last set foot in the palace. A servant stopped in front of him and the man smiled.

- Garrett.

- It's been a while, my friend.

Garrett said while he was smiling towards the older man. He grabbed his hand in a friendly handshake. 

- It’s nice to see you again Abadin.

- I understand that his Majesty wanted to see me.

- Yes, he's waiting for you in the throne room.

Abadin nodded and continued into the corridors of the palace. The guards opened the heavy doors in front of the throne room and he went in and stopped in front of the king sitting on his throne. Worgan smiled as he bowed in front of him.

- Abadin. I’m glad you could come.

- Yes your majesty. Prince Cadenor said you wanted to see me?

- I've got a little problem and I hope that you can help me solve it.

- If it is in my ability to do so I will at least try, your majesty?

- Come with me and I'll explain. Since you left your job here, Cadenor has been trying to find a replacement. Without success, I might add.

They walked through the corridors and Worgan smiled regretfully.

- I'm afraid you spoiled us. Unfortunately, the archives I must say have been disorganised. I really need your help getting the archives back in order.

They went into the hall where the archives were located and Abadin pulled a hand through the neatly cut dark hair as he looked around.

- I am going to need help, your majesty. Every compartment needs to be sorted and it will take time I’m afraid.

- Take whatever time you need and I'll make sure you get help.

- Then I might as well get started.

He took off his coat and laid it over his back on a chair before turning to the compartments with rollers.

- I leave the archives in your tender care again then.

- Don’t worry your majesty. I'll get it back to its former glory.

- I have no doubt about that.

Worgan left the hall when Abadin began to walk through the rollers in the first slot. With a satisfied smile he returned to the throne room.

- Good morning, Your Majesty.

- Good morning Garrett. Abadin is currently in the archives. He needs help getting it organized. Can you see to it?

- Of course, your majesty. Some of the stable boys have said they want more to do. Now that the snow has started to fall, they can't let the horses out. I can send ten of the boys to the archives within the hour.

- That'll be fine Garrett. By the way, have you seen my sons today?

- Unfortunately, your majesty. I have not.

Kit wrapped the thick blanket more tightly around her body as she sat on the window sill. She looked at the snow that had started to fall outside. 

- So much snow. Dorcha have you seen how it snows?

Dorcha lay in front of the fireplace, enjoying the warmth of the blazing flames. She snorted and her amused voice echoed in Kit’s head.

- It's just snow Kit.. We had it on the islands too, if you remember.

- But not this much.

The panther raised its head when a knock was heard. Kit slid off the padded window sill and walked to the door. She opened the door and to her surprise Cade stood outside. He had a package in his hands and looked somewhat nervous.

- Cade? I did not expect to see you.

- I'd like to talk to you. Can I come in?

- Sure.

She took a step to the side and allowed him to enter the room. He paced back and forth a bit in the room while she closed the door as if he wasn't sure where to begin but then stopped and turned to her and looked pleadingly at her

- I want to apologize and I hope that you can forgive me for not telling you about who I was? I would like us to be friends Kit. If that is something that you would like that that is.

- It is. Sol has said that I overreacted some.

- After everything that had happened, I think that you were entitled to that. So what do you say? Friends?

- Friends.

- I have a gift for you.

He handed her the package and the brown paper rustled as she received it.

- Open it.

She sat down in one of the two soft chairs that were by the fire and placed the package in her lap. Cade sat in the other chair as she pulled away the paper. In her lap was a pair of soft brown leather trousers. She lifted the pants and beneath them she found a tanned shirt.

- Cade ... you didn't have to.

- I know, but I thought you'd probably need them. Your’s have been through quite a bit after all.

He gave her a crooked smile and she couldn’t help but to laugh at his words and the truth in them. 

- Well I can’t argue with that.Thank you.

- There's one more thing.

He leaned forward and lifted up a part of the shirt. Kit gasped slightly when she saw the dozen knives lying in front of her. Her fingers stroked the thin leaves lightly.

- But how...

- There is a skilled blacksmith in town. I showed him your knife and he did these. 

He took three of the knives and placed them in her hand.

- These are for your boots and I am sure that you will probably find use for the rest.

Kit placed the three knives in one of her boots and then stood up and moved her leg. Cade stood up as she walked around the room once and then stopped in front of him with a glowing smile on her lips.

- I can’t feel them at all. They are perfect. Thank you again Cade.

She stood on her toe and pressed a light kiss against Cade's cheek. Taking a step back, she was prevented by Cade putting a hand against her neck. 

- I’m sorry about the valley Kit. I let my emotions take the better of me. I realise that it was your first kiss and what I did to you is unforgiving.

- Cade I...

She silenced when his thumb gently stroked over her chin and she could see something flashing in his eyes as he looked at her lips.

- Your first kiss shouldn't have been in anger. It should have been like this.

He slowly bent down and gently touched her lips with his own. The soft touch reminded Kit of a summer breeze that was gone before it started. Cade pulled back after the brief touch and searched her eyes after an answer and she couldn't help but to smile at him. 

- Will you forgive me?

- Yes I’ll forgive you. 

A smile of relief spread across his face. He took a step back and motioned towards the door. 

- I’m going to join my father in the throne room. Would you like to join us? I know he would like to talk to you and your sister.

- Just give me a moment so I can change.

- I'll be waiting outside.