Epilogue I

Six Months Later

A islinn clapped her hands over her ears and laughed as Siggy led her rowdy family in another loud song. The home was uproarious over Aislinn's successful deal with Chief Kennum, and Siggy was in the mood to celebrate.

Siggy needed little excuse to celebrate.

Since their first meeting shortly before for the wedding, Aislinn had taken a quick, strong liking to the loud orcess. They were opposites in nearly every way, yet they got on spectacularly.

Siggy was always singing songs, old ballads and sea shanties and new rhymes of her own making. They kept her twins, a darling set of little girls about eight years old, endlessly entertained. Her mates, Halstern and Viggo, pretended to grumble and roll their eyes, but Halstern often hummed along and Viggo bounced his leg to the tune.

Aislinn exchanged looks with Hakon, the two of them breaking out into laughter as Siggy swung her arms and sang at the top of her lungs.

The whole of Kaldebrak would surely hear. Perhaps that was the point.

It was a grand way to cap off her successful meeting with Chieftain Kennum and their last night in the mountain city.

The visit to Kaldebrak had been months in the making. Siggy said she hadn't forgotten the promise Hakon made her, that he'd bring his new mate home, and refused to leave Dundúran after the wedding without another promise from the both of them that they would visit within the year.

Aislinn might not have truly considered it, but she wanted to see an orcish city and more of the world outside her demesne. Her father agreed, and messages began to flow between Dundúran and Kaldebrak, negotiating an official visit.

It took time, and permission had to be sought from the crown. King Marius had written back an emphatic no, but Queen Ygraine had given her consent for Aislinn to treat with Kaldebrak on behalf of the Darrowlands. Aislinn glowed just thinking of the queen's letter and the confidence Queen Ygraine placed in her. The two had struck up a friendship over correspondence, and she couldn't wait to write the queen of her successes.

There had also been plenty of other business to see to while they waited for royal approval. Most importantly was the trial of Padraic Bayard. The matter had been referred up to the crown courts, as the Darrows couldn't be impartial judges. Crown magistrates assessed the matter and oversaw the trial.

Bayard looked much changed after his months in a dungeon. Gone was his swagger and haughtiness. He begged for his life, but after hearing Aislinn's account and testimony from multiple knights formerly in Bayard's employ, the magistrates handed down a sentence of treason. Bayard was beheaded four days later. Aislinn and her father had attended, although she'd turned her gaze away even before the sword fell upon his neck.

Bayard left behind no apparent heirs, although several had already emerged to claim the rich estate. Endelín was currently under the Darrows' purview until a new baron could be decided upon.

With that matter settled, she and Hakon had finally left in midsummer, accompanied by twenty knights led by Captain Aodhan himself. The journey was slow, and Aislinn soon learned she perhaps wasn't the best traveler. She'd never been so sore or tired, and the worst part was trying to read while in the carriage specially fitted for the trip made her nauseous.

Hakon did his best to distract her, making games for them to play and thinking of topics to get her talking. She enjoyed getting to walk with him or ride alongside him, seeing the dramatic landscapes of southern Eirea.

As agreed, they left behind the company of knights except for Aodhan and another guard when they reached the outskirts of Green-Fist territory. Although Chief Kennum had graciously offered his hospitality, Siggy wouldn't hear of them staying anywhere else.

They were stuffed inside her home, warm and cozy, and Aislinn loved it. The accommodations were few, but she slept tucked tight to her darling mate, ate hearty orcish food, and soaked in the glorious warmth of Siggy's home. The stone house was full to the brim with love, evident in every ceramic dish and mantelpiece bauble.

The fortnight in Kaldebrak had been some of the best days of Aislinn's life, as she strolled the streets with Hakon. He proudly showed off his human mate, and their first few days had been crowded with curious guests. They couldn't walk anywhere very long without being stopped. Aislinn was quickly picking up the language with so many people eager to talk with her.

When her novelty eventually faded, they were able to traverse the wide cobblestone streets of Kaldebrak in peace. Hakon showed her all his favorite places, the great market square with its ornate black marble fountain; the first vein, an ancient hole dug through the mountain that was supposedly the very first mine in Kaldebrak; the hot springs deep within the mountain, as well as the lava flows deeper down; and the summit, where you could look out across the Griegen Mountains for miles unobstructed on a clear day, with a wondrous view of the vinya roses that sprouted along the slopes. They were in bloom in midsummer, blanketing the mountains in red and pink.

After she'd explored his city, Chief Kennum had hosted her and Hakon for several days, in which they began talks to open trading between their lands. Aislinn was well aware of the wealth of Kaldebrak and had worried what the Darrowlands could offer in return. Hakon helped her prepare her proposal, using his knowledge of both places to predict what the chieftain might be most interested in.

Although it wasn't said in so many words—at least not ones Aislinn understood—the threat of war loomed for the great orcish stronghold. In the time Hakon had been away, Kennum had aligned himself with the ambitious southern chieftain known as Vallek Far-Sight. Other clans were holding out, however, and a Pyrrossi force was reportedly gathering along the border.

In their talks, Aislinn secured exclusive trade agreements between Kaldebrak and the Darrowlands, opening a flow of gems, iron, and finished silverworks for salt, wine, dried fish, and grain.

"The most important thing in war is to keep your warriors fed," Kennum had told her . "And their tankards full."

Being with Hakon had somewhat prepared her for the chieftain of Kaldebrak, but she was still taken aback by the size of him. Easily two heads taller than Hakon and wider, despite his years and graying mane, Kennum took up all the space he was in. His hand had absolutely swallowed Aislinn's when they shook in greeting, but he'd touched her with the utmost gentleness.

It'd been amusing to see her brave, burly mate's ears glowing red in the presence of his chieftain, and the respect Hakon clearly had for the older orc endeared him to Aislinn more than anything else.

With their visit almost over and their business complete, it was time to celebrate one last time.

Siggy had spared no expense or effort, her stone table laden with a honey-glazed turkey, a mountain of roasted root vegetables, sauces and creams, sweet breads, and rich stuffings. Aislinn had endeavored to be a good guest and tried everything put in front of her. A few textures didn't agree with her, but on the whole, she was pleasantly surprised to find that orcish food was delicious.

Leaning over, Siggy captured Aislinn with a brawny arm, hugging her to her side. "Ach, don't leave me tomorrow, niece! I can't bear it!"

"We'll plan another visit for next year," Aislinn promised. This had been a grand adventure, sore backside or not, and she could hardly wait for another journey outside the Darrowlands.

"And you're always welcome to visit Dundúran," added Hakon.

The twins jumped up in their seats, excited at the idea of traveling there again. They'd made fast friends with the Brádaigh siblings and had a grand time running about the castle.

"Keeley said we can visit the horses this time!" said Ingrid.

"And we'll get to see Auntie Aislinn's bridge!" said Sigrid.

Aislinn glowed with pride from the crook of Siggy's arm. The bridge was nearly complete, and she had to pinch herself every time she saw it. Witnessing her vision come to life, seeing all the hard work the guilders poured into it…the sight nearly brought her to tears every time she beheld it. Aislinn looked forward to officially opening it for use before the autumn harvests began.

"Some of the children have taken to jumping off the top and floating downriver to the other bridge," she reported. It'd scared her at first, but it looked like a refreshing relief from the summer heat.

She looked up when she realized Siggy, Halstern, and Viggo had gone completely silent, their eyes widening.

The twins shrieked in excitement, bouncing out of their seats.

"I want to jump off Auntie Aislinn's bridge!" they sang as they ran round the table.

Halstern groaned as Siggy and Viggo chased the girls around the table, trying to get them back in their seats.

Aislinn blushed, realizing the trouble she'd made. A hand took hers, and she looked up to share Hakon's wide grin.

When the twins began clambering up furniture to practice their jumps, all three parents rushing after them with flailing arms, Hakon threw his head back and laughed.

Aislinn tried to apologize through her laughter, but she doubted anyone heard.

Dinner descended into madness, as it often did, and Aislinn loved it.

She loved even more when her husband pulled her into his lap and wrapped her up in his arms.

He shook with laughter, his eyes watering as he craned his neck to watch the twins' antics. Wülf and some of his siblings joined the fray, barking and prancing.

"I think the neighbors will be happy to be rid of us," Aislinn whispered to him.

"No doubt," he chuckled. Turning his face to hers, he stole a quick kiss, which made the twins squeal in delight. "To be honest, I'll be happy to have you to myself again soon."

"Well, yourself and twenty knights itching to get home."

Drawing the longer hair at the crown of his head off his forehead, Aislinn smiled fondly at her mate. Fates, he was a handsome man. None of this would have been possible without him, and Aislinn couldn't imagine her life any other way now.

She didn't know how she'd survived before. Well, she did, but life was no longer about just coping or surviving. Life was for living, and she did it alongside her mate.

Touching her forehead to his so no little impressionable ears heard, Aislinn whispered, "Although, perhaps my big strong mate might want to steal me away in the old way? For a day or two?"

That got her a purr, his pupils dilating as his gaze turned hungry. His hand slid to her backside under the table and squeezed.

"Orek's told me about a cave, perfect for stealing away with a mate."

Aislinn kissed him, tasting his smile, her heart far too full for her chest.

"I can't wait."