Chapter 29

The next morning sees I and Umber splashing around in the solar above one of the grand towers. What started off as stiff, rigid labour was now transformed to squeals of laughter and undiluted fun.  I didn't believe I could have this much fun in my situation. Neither could Umber too from the looks of it.

She looks like she hasn't laughed in years.

Mid-day rolls in and after trimming the shrubs in the deserted east gardens, we lay on our backs in the tall grasses, looking up at the smiling sky. Once, I would have worried over the sun burning my face and leaving more freckles, now I couldn't find it in myself to care. I turn to my side. I laugh when a dragon fly flutters close to Umber's nose and she sneezes.

She smiles at me, laughing as well. When we quiet, I turn my attention back to the sky. "How did you end up here?"

Moments drag by before she admits, "My father."

"He let that creature bite you?"

Her chest rises and falls. "He had my