In The Beginning by Gail Daley (top 100 books of all time checklist .TXT) 📕

"A Seer?" Lewys was delighted. "That's wonderful! The family hasn't had a Seer since my grandmother died."

Catrin snorted. "Well our new Seer doesn't need to see her grandfather half-dressed. Owen, you and Andre help this stubborn old coot up to his room so he can put on some clothes. I have to clean up in here."

Once dressed, they joined Rebecca in the library where Lewys listened to Andre's report on the Harbor in silence. "Do you think we could be attacked by sea?"

Andre shrugged. "The sea has its reavers the same as the land does Lewys. The Harbormaster said there had never been an attack he remembered, but it doesn't mean there never will be. The Shahen does have a fleet of warships though, and we can't count on him not using it if we defy him, and we will have to sooner or later. Also, we need more fighters so none of us goes outside the Keep alone."

Rebecca who had been listening now spoke up. "That is a great idea; we should have as many trained fighters as we can, but I think we might have another defense if we can activate it."

"You found something in the journal," Andre said.

"What Journal?" Lewys asked.

"In the secret room in the Warding alcove," Rebecca explained, "there were some journals from when Ironlyn was first built. They mention a War Room with defenses to protect not just the keep itself but the whole shire of Ironlyn."

"Bring the journal to the library. I'll go get the blueprints of the keep," Andre said.

At dinner, Selene was dazzled to be presented with a gold pendant with the emblem of a closed eye.

"It's your Reveal talent gift," Rebecca told her. "We always give one when a talent shows itself."

"This is mine, see?" she held up her wrist. Her bracelet had a fire emblem.

"Put it on," Catrin encouraged.

"Congratulations," Andre told her, raising his glass. "To Selene."

"To Selene," everyone echoed.

"What are we going to do about the bandits?" Rebecca asked when they rose from the table.

"Those men attacked Lewys because they thought they were taking on one man," Andre said. "What we need is a small troop of fighters stationed here permanently. Once word gets around they are in residence, outlaws will go elsewhere for easier meat."

"Do you know where to get such a group?" Lewys inquired.

"Yes," he nodded. "With your permission, I will send for them. I know a Merc commander who has been looking for a permanent place to settle down. They will be glad to come."

"How will you send for them?" Rebecca asked.

"I will send a message by ship, and the Station is a bird messenger Center. I can use it as well. The Merc headquarters will send it on to Jors wherever he's posted."

He got up and went to find ink and paper.

Rebecca looked at her grandfather. "He told me at the Trade Station he remembers his time in the Mercs, but the rest is just bits and pieces."

Lewys nodded slowly. "He may remember more than he's telling us. I think he's let the engagement stand because he wants you, child."

Rebecca flushed. "Is that a problem?" she asked defiantly.

"Are you willing to give him what he wants?" Lewys inquired. "If you aren't, you should tell him now. Andre isn't a man you can safely play games with, granddaughter. He could be ruthless if something came between him and what, or who he wants. Be careful."

Her chin lifted a little. "Andre won't hurt me," she said confidently. "You set up this engagement to get us safely to Ironlyn and to help me get over my fear of being touched. I want you to know I intend to honor it. Andre makes me feel safe. Grandpa, I was always afraid after the Proctor took Mamma, and it got worse after Lazarus attacked me, but I haven't been afraid since Andre came to be with us." She looked her grandfather in the eye. "Even if he leaves after he learns about the lies, I don't believe he would betray us. He's an honorable man."

"You intend to tell him the truth?"

"Before I marry him. Yes, I will tell him."

"I should be the one to do it; it was my lie, not yours," her grandfather pointed out.

"No. You told the initial lie, but all of us went along with it," she replied.

Several days after the attack on Lewys, she was still trying to figure out a way to tell Andre the truth. She still hadn't decided on a way to do this when a messenger bird came to say Dracho Corkian and Serle were at the gate. Lewis went down himself to greet them. He was a little startled when he discovered the maid and cook assigned to Mort and his grandson were leading their pack unicorns to the cottage next to the school house.

"Aren't they staying in the house?" he asked, Teryl, the maid.

"Draconi Rebecca said they were to stay here," he was told proudly. "We will take good care of them. They will be tired after the journey, and Milo has planned a good dinner."

"Don't worry about it Lewis," Corkian said as they followed them to a neatly appointed cottage. "I'm sure we'll be comfortable here."

Lewis hesitated, "Well, if you're sure. If you feel up to it come up to the keep after dinner. We’ll have a nice visit."

Mort Corkian was a tall, thin individual with a dry wit and twinkling eyes. His grandson was a tall, spare man in his thirties. He had his grandsire's blue eyes, and thin, well-shaped mouth.

"Uncle Mort, how good of you to come all this way. And you brought Serle with you for company. It's good to see you again too Serle," Rebecca told them when the visitors were shown into the Library after dinner. "We have such news to tell you, Uncle Mort: We've found her at last!" she exclaimed. "This is our mother's last child, Selene." She brought Selene forward.

The older man