Chapter Forty Seven

A heavy silence fell over the group as Michael's words sunk in.

Jocelyn's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening in disbelief. "No...oh god, no..."

Evelyn felt her stomach drop. Poor headstrong John, who had left with his brother to find a way to stop the persistent raids on their family mines. "How did it happen?" She asked her husband.

Michael dragged a shaky hand down his face, grief and weariness etched in the lines around his eyes. "My father didn't give me any details over the phone. Just said to get home right away."

"Okay," Evelyn answered softly. She noticed Jocelyn was already crying, her shoulders were shaking with muffled sobs. She went to her, pulling her close in a tight embrace.

"We should go," Evelyn said, keeping her voice as steady as she could manage. "Your father wants us all together."

Michael could only nod, seeming dazed by the tragic news. He turned and started walking without another word, his footsteps heavy.

Evelyn kept an arm around Jocelyn, gently guid