Page 12 of A Winter Redemption
I’ve always loved you and looked after you… I’ll be right here. I won’t let anything happen to you.His brother’s voice echoed in his ears. A memory from a lifetime ago.
Ketho opened his eyes, gritted his teeth, and continued walking, lengthening his steps. He tilted his head up and gazed towards the stars he couldn’t see. Even if they weren’t visible, he knew they were there. And that comforted him.
He let out a breath. No need to think of what had happened years ago.
Ketho was happy and free and far from Bordertown and the memories he’d left back there.
ChapterNine
Jarne rode along the path through the forest, staring at the dark, bare trees. A light snow fell, drifting slowly to the earth.
That morning, the innkeeper had given him careful instructions and shown him a map. Whilst he was not a talented horseman or navigator, he’d been on several expeditions outside Bordertown with Eviane, a half-dryad, one of Greweth Perfumeries’ employees.
She had a talent for sourcing raw materials that could be used to make perfumes. He’d accompanied her, as he’d been keen to understand how new scents were discovered. And on those trips, he’d needed to learn how to ride a horse and read a map, which came in handy now.
He wondered how his parents were handling his sudden departure. He’d left a note, stating he’d gone to collect his brother from Ores and would return soon.
He’d also left Sasha a note, saying that he’d hired people to collect his belongings from their apartments and that Jarne would find new apartments when he returned. He had no desire to see Sasha again. Their marriage was over. He’d been clear on that. Let Sasha have sex with whomever he wanted. As long as Jarne didn’t have to see Sasha again, he didn’t care.
But of course, he would see him again. They worked together. His hands tightened on the reins. Letting out a breath, he forced himself to relax his hands. He didn’t want to unsettle the horse because he was annoyed.
At least he’d have a couple of days without having to deal with Sasha, his parents, or Greweth Perfumeries.
Jarne had always been hard-working and reliable. Leaving Bordertown had been the most impulsive thing he’d ever done. Although, perhaps the most impulsive thing he’d ever done was bedding a stranger last night.
He still felt Ketho’s touch on his body. He still heard his moans.
The snow fell heavier, white flakes whizzing past. Jarne hunched down inside his overcoat, glad he’d sought out a tailor with knowledge of the Norend Mountains and what clothing he would need before he set off.
Jarne hoped he’d see Ketho again, but he doubted he would. Ketho hadn’t said when he’d come to Ores, and Jarne would no doubt be gone by then.
Jarne slowed his horse. Log cabins appeared in the distance, dotted amongst the winter landscape. Snow-covered trees surrounded the village. Towering mountains rose behind.
“How quaint,” he murmured. If his brother was going to exile himself, he could have chosen worse places to spend a year.
He inhaled. Fresh mountain air, trees, and peaty smoke from the chimneys filled his nostrils. Perhaps he could capture the scent of Ores. Or the forests surrounding it.
Bordertown, although practical for the production of perfume, was not easy to draw inspiration from. The corner of his mouth tugged upwards as he imagined creating a scent inspired by the streets of Bordertown. He could try to capture the stenches of rotten meat and fruit, urine, and too-infrequently-washed bodies.
He guided his horse amongst the cabins. Through the windows, he saw movement and the warm glow of fires. He hoped he could find his brother soon and get out of the cold.
He spotted several people moving around the village. He jumped off his horse, boots sinking into the snow. A few people glanced his way.
“Happy Solstice, stranger,” an older woman standing in front of a cabin called out. She wore a woollen dress and no coat. And she wore no shoes. The snowflakes clung to her hair and shoulders.
“Aren’t you cold?” he blurted, suppressing a shiver at the sight of her.
She laughed and tilted her face back to the falling snow. “It does not trouble me. A gift from my oread heritage.” The woman stared at him with her startling pale-blue eyes. “What brings you to Ores?”
“I am looking for my brother Aryn,” Jarne said. “Do you know where he is?”
“Are you from Bordertown?” she asked.
“I am,” he said, irritated she hadn’t answered his question.
Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “You have come from Bordertown to visit your brother for Winter Solstice? How wonderful! Last year, more oreads from the valley visited us for the Solstice festivities. And now we have a human from Bordertown visiting the village for this special event.”
Jarne had no idea what she was talking about.
