Chapter Two

Randey woke with a start. His thoughts still held the lingering haze of a nightmare, though specific images eluded him now. He could recall only impressions of Goblins and other cruel, inhuman creatures, and that he and his family were threatened. Blinking to clear his vision, he focused on the reality of the room around him. Morning light warmed the space, while the familiar scents added to his sense of security and calm.

Still, the dream was troubling.

Clambering out of bed, he rapidly dressed. An urgent desire to see his mother drove him, and he nearly tripped on his way down the stairs.

Damara greeted him with a warm smile. She was dressed in a simple house dress, her hair still ruffled from sleep, her feet bare. To Randey she appeared somehow vulnerable, despite the fact that he knew she was a more than capable fighter. She would not have been accepted into the ranks of the Grenyaar were it otherwise. He smiled at her in return.

“Sit,” she said, “and I’ll bring you some break