Corin approached him. “Allow me to take Drystan somewhere safe until you're ready to escort him to Wulfsgate. We can prepare him for the journey so his mother can still look upon him when you arrive.”
Ash cast a cautious look at Drystan, and then, after a pause, nodded.
Corin met his eyes. “I promise you. I'll see to the task myself.”
Ash let out a soft, shuddering sob and then guided Brandyn toward the stairs.
“Ash!” Lisbet cried, flying nearly into him as he stepped beyond the castle entrance and headed toward the bridge. “Where is he? Where’s Drystan?”
Ash had placed his emotions somewhere safe, until he saw the hope die in his daughter’s face. For, she was his daughter. He could see it now, even if he’d been afraid to accept it before. She was born after his “death,” but when Ash
