start for the door. As they get closer, the thugs fighting the guild women disengage and follow. Amy moves aside to allow them to leave. Only once the last of them are out does she move into the room, although just to a place near the door.
The woman who had asked for Brina's help crosses the room to where the young woman is cleaning the blade of her pocket knife on the man's shirt.
“No one here can do anythin' like what you just did,” She swallows on seeing the unconscious man, “He isn't...?”
“He's still alive for the moment,” Brina eases herself to her feet, “Not that I'd count on anythin' useful from him. Any place we could lock him up for the moment?”
“There...” The woman takes a deep breath, “There're cells, in a level below the basement.”
Brina nods to herself, “Is there a way to borrow trainers from other guild chapters? I seriously doubt my trainin' was quite the same.”
“Maybe,” The woman shrugs, “I don't know what's where right now.”
Brina's eyes meet Amy's, “Any ideas?”
“Your trainin' isn't really that far off the guild's usual,” Amy tells her, “But this is a mess you'll have to sort without my help.”
Brina makes a face, “Do I still have a home?”
“For as long as you need it.” Amy chuckles, “I doubt I'll be goin' too far just yet.”
The young woman takes a deep breath, “Thanks.”
“I'll see you at home.” Amy leaves first the room, then the building.
December-77
On hearing the front door, Amy sets her book down. She can hear the housekeeper's hurried steps followed by voices.
“Good afternoon, Miss Kress. Is there anything you need?”
“Just to know where Amy is.”
“The library, I believe.”
“Thanks.”
A moment later, Brina enters the library. After a glance around, she crosses the room to claim the chair beside Amy's. The young woman's eyes go to the book on the arm of the older woman's chair.
“Did you used to read so much?”
Amy nods, “Mainly history an' classical literature, but yeah.” Her eyes study the young woman, “What's up?”
“I'm movin' to the Capitol,” Brina takes a deep breath, “The continental guildmaster wants me as his apprentice.”
Amy raises an eyebrow, “That's an honour.”
The young woman nods, “The local guild will actually be in good hands. All most of them needed was a real trainer. Will I see you again?”
“I'm sure you will,” Amy smiles, “I'd like you to keep in touch, but I'll be in Wind Valley.”
“Wind Valley?” Brina frowns.
Amy nods, “My husband is back on the continent. He's comin' here first, but Wind Valley 's always been his home.”
Slowly, Brina nods to herself, “Did you ever remember why?”
The woman sighs, old pain and exhaustion flickering over her face, “Yeah.”
Brina glances at the clock on the far wall, “I need to go pack. I'm leavin' by bus this evenin'.” She leaves the library.
Amy's eyes go briefly to her book before shifting to the nearby window.
Amy is standing in the library doorway when Brina comes down, carrying one large bag over her shoulder and another in the opposite hand. The young woman turns almost instinctively to the older one.
“Thank you.”
Amy smiles, “You're welcome. Take care of yourself.”
Brina nods, “You too. I think my ride to the depot's here. I'll be in touch.”
“You better.” Amy watches as the young woman goes to the front door to step into her shoes. She remains where she is as Brina leaves the house and the door closes. Outside, a vehicle can be heard pulling away. Almost before the sound fades, another vehicle can be heard pulling into the driveway. That sound is followed by three car doors. Moments later, the front door opens and two men step into the house. Amy crosses the foyer to meet them and is swept into a tight hug. Her arms go around her husband, her face pressing into his chest. After a long moment, the two of them step apart, although only to arms length. Their eyes meet, but neither speaks as they head up to the master suite.
About the Author
Alexandra. A. 'Lexa' Cheshire lives in northern British Columbia, Canada. She is a wife and mother who enjoys to read and write fantasy and science fiction. Her blog is at aacheshire.wordpress.com
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