Bryn's Tale

By Jeff Messer

In a fantasy kingdom called Istaria, a young girl named Bryn comes of age. She learns to reconcile her elf heritage with her demonic heritage. In a family full of famous relatives, she strikes out on her own path, unsure where it might lead her. She finds and loses love. She learns to forgive herself and others for their mistakes, and makes new friends along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeff Messer
• Release date: Jul 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005749453

Jeff Messer

I grew up in suburban Philadelphia reading lots of horror novels. I have a degree in secondary education from Temple University. My regular job is an account manager for a large ISP. I fell in love with D&D and other role playing games in my 20's. I've always loved creating characters for the games and trying to give them in depth backstories and interesting personalities. One character I created was Bryn. She was the daughter of a character I created for a game I ran. Her dad is an elf and her mom is a demon, which I thought presented some interesting choices for her. I decided to try writing a novel about her. It took a long time to complete but now it's done.

Book preview

Bryn's Tale

By Jeff Messer

Copyright 2020 Jeff Messer

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover illustration by @ramenparty_ on Twitter

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Beginnings

Chapter 2 - Werewolf and Gargoyle

Chapter 3 - Happy Reunions

Chapter 4 - Forgive and Befriend

Chapter 5 - A Big Mistake

Chapter 6 - Charm School

Chapter 7 - Procrastination

Chapter 8 - The Test

Chapter 9 - The Invitation

Chapter 10 - The Debut

Chapter 11 - Socializing

Chapter 12 - Edgar

Chapter 13 - Jacob

Chapter 14 - A Rough Birthday

Chapter 15 - Just as Friends

Chapter 16 - A History Lesson

Chapter 17 - Miles

Chapter 18 - Neale

Chapter 19 - Oskar

Chapter 20 - A New Friend

Chapter 21 - Autumn

Chapter 22 - A Bigger Mistake

Chapter 23 - Corthyr

Chapter 24 - The Tree of Light

Chapter 25 - Back Home

Chapter 26 - The Job

Chapter 27 - Starting Out

Chapter 28 - The Warlock's Dragon

Chapter 29 - Union

Epilogue

Calendar and important dates in Istaria

(Months are 40 days long and each season is 90 days)

Deepwinter (1-New Year’s Day)

Frostwind (2-Bryn’s Birthday)

Rivers Rise (1-Spring Equinox)

Vernalia (1-Spring Ball in Faybrook)

Bloom Tide (11-Summer Solstice)

High Summer

Harvest Tide (21-Fall Equinox; 31-Harvest Ball in Faybrook)

Leaf Drop

The Darkening (22-Yule Ball in Faybrook; 15-Winter Solstice)

Important Places

Istaria - The kingdom where Bryn and her family live

Faybrook - The city where Bryn and her family live, a medium size walled city

Everstorm - The capital and largest city of Istaria

Corthyr - A kingdom to the west of Istaria, most of its inhabitants are elves

Nimarta - The capital and largest city of Corthyr

Brosha Empire - A cold mountainous land to the northeast of Istaria

Wahan - An exotic land far to the east of Istaria. The north and south of the country have recently settled into an uneasy peace

Nugos Empire - An ancient but technologically advanced empire, its ruins dot Istaria and most countries surrounding it

Thalon - A kingdom southwest of Istaria and south of Corthyr, with a frightening past

Chapter 1 Beginnings

Rivers Rise 11 - Harvest Tide 20, 367 of the Third Age of the world

The early rays of the sun shone through the window of Bryn’s bedroom, the rose curtains causing the light to shine pink on her face. She turned over, trying to stay asleep. A call from outside her bedroom door woke her fully.

Bryn, time to wake up honey, breakfast is almost ready.

Bryn sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. Pushing back the covers, she slid out of bed. She walked to her closet, chose her favorite pink dress and changed out of her pajamas. She paused to look in her mirror. Bryn had recently turned nine years old and wanted to see if she looked any older. She had slightly pointed ears from her elf father and his bright blue eyes, the color of polished sapphires. She also had small horns protruding out and up in front of her forehead, a trait she shared with her succubus mother. Her black hair had grown thick and curly and mostly hid her horns. What she liked most about her appearance was her wings. They were a deep violet color, almost black. She spread them and turned as she admired them in the mirror. She loved flying, and she had learned to fly before she could walk. She grabbed Oskar, her stuffed owlbear toy off her bed, opened the door, and took flight, going down the stairs and toward the kitchen.

When Bryn arrived, her mother, Kalane, had just placed her breakfast on the table, eggs, bacon and fresh bread. Bryn was happy to see that her mother was in her true form. Kalane was average height, with pale skin, long black hair that fell over her shoulders, a pointed tail, and black wings.

Bryn cheerfully said, Good morning Mommy, and started eating.

Kalane bent and kissed her daughter’s head and said, Good morning, sweetheart, do you remember what we’re doing today?

Yes, Mommy, we’re going to the park to meet some other kids my age. Can Oskar come too?

I don’t think that’s a good idea. Oskar is in bad shape already. You don’t want him getting ruined, do you?

Bryn looked at her stuffed friend. She’d had him since as long as she could remember. One of his eyes had fallen out and been replaced with a button. His arms and legs had all been ripped and resewn. He had lost some stuffing and was relatively flat. He looks pretty good to me, she answered.

Kalane smiled, He’s very handsome, but all the same, let’s leave him home today, OK?

OK, Mommy.

Now, Bryn, do you remember the rules we talked about when you play with other children?

Bryn rolled her eyes. Yes Mommy, we’ve been through the rules about a million times.

Kalane frowned and said, I’m going to pretend that eye roll didn’t happen. This time. She smiled again, Now what are the rules?

Bryn started holding fingers up as she said, Rule one, Mommy is not a demon or a succubus, Mommy is a human. I don’t like that rule. You’re so much prettier like this.

"I appreciate the compliment, but Mommy doesn’t go out in this form for a lot of reasons. Most demons are evil, very evil, so people are scared of them. You know Mommy is nice, but not everybody knows me. They’d get scared and maybe try to hurt me or maybe hurt themselves. You don’t want anybody hurt, do you?"

No Mommy.

Good, what are the other rules?

Rule number two, no fighting with the other kids. Is that so nobody gets hurt too?

Yes, that’s exactly right. Go on.

Rule three, be kind with my words. And if somebody else isn’t kind in their words, don’t do what they do. Rule four, no flying, because nobody likes a showoff. Are you sure? I really like flying.

I know, honey, I do too. But the other kids can’t fly so it wouldn’t be fair to them. We have a big house with nice high ceilings so you can fly when you’re home. I hope someday, when people know you a little better, we can be less strict with rule four. But let’s stick with it for today, okay?

Okay. She paused then asked, Mommy, do I have to go? Can’t I just play with you, Daddy, and Grandma and Grandpa and my cousin Nura?

So far, Bryn hadn’t really had many chances to make friends with other children. She mostly did things with her family. She thought she had a great family, so she didn’t mind. Her father, Del, was a famous musician, a world explorer, and the head of the Watchers, an important and powerful guild of archaeologists, historians, and artifact finders. Del had been taking Bryn to the office regularly for as long as she could remember. The best thing about the Watchers, in her opinion, was that they had a small flock of tiny dragons. One in particular was Bryn’s favorite. Eryn was a bright pink dragon, the only pink one in the flock. She had been born the same week as Bryn, and the two had grown up together. They were almost inseparable when Bryn was at Del’s office. Eryn was fully grown but only about the size of a house cat.

Del’s parents came to visit frequently also. Bryn’s Grandma, Merilwen, was also a famous singer, and Grandpa Habriston, was known as the best tailor in the kingdom of Istaria. They were both around 200 years old, but they looked much younger, because they were elves like her father. Grandpa had been a soldier a long time ago and always had stories about his time in the army, mostly funny ones. Grandma had lots of stories about unicorns, and magic trees, and people who were half horse and half man because she had lived in a place called the Fey Realm and had met them all.

Some friends of her father from his adventuring days also came to visit. One was Auntie Alwyn, not really her aunt but that’s what Bryn had always called her. Auntie Alwyn was a human. She had auburn hair which Bryn thought was beautiful and freckles on her nose. Auntie Alwyn owned jewelry shops in a lot of different places. Sometimes she brought Bryn gifts like necklaces or simple rings that fit her small fingers. Bryn kept all of these in a nice wooden jewelry box her father got from a country called Wahan, far to the east. The box was decorated with pictures of long serpent-like dragons.

Bryn’s father also had a friend named Uncle Caeldrim, who was half elf and half human. He had gone to school with Del and worked with him at the Watchers too. He was a musician too and played drums while Del played his lute. Uncle Caeldrim had a very pretty human wife named Sylera. Bryn knew that Auntie Sylera had worked for the king but didn’t know what her job had been. What really stood out about Uncle Caeldrim was his height. He was at least five inches taller than Del, who was tall himself, at just over six feet. Sometimes Del and Caeldrim still played music at an inn called the Wild Blossom. Sometimes Kalane took Bryn to watch and sometimes Nura took her. Bryn noticed when Kalane watched Del play that she stared like a lovestruck teenage girl.

One of Bryn’s favorite people was her cousin Nura, who was a tiefling like her. Nura had horns and a tail but no wings. Her skin was a darker shade of red than Bryn, who was more a shade of pink. Nura had explained to her that not all tieflings have wings, that only special ones like Bryn did. That had made her smile. Nura also had hair that was purple and blue. Bryn thought it was great. Nura’s mom was Kalane’s sister, but she had disappeared when Nura was young, having been chased away by demon hunters. That made Bryn a little sad. Nura was about twenty years older than Bryn, but she thought of her more as an older sister. They talked and laughed a lot, stayed up late sometimes when she’d visit, and eat sweets together. But with all these people in her life, she didn’t have much experience with other kids. A thought brought her back to the moment.

Mommy are you scared because of what happened to Nura’s mom?

I’m not scared, Bryn. But there are people out there who hunt other people that they think are bad. Between Daddy and I myself, we could probably defeat most of them. But then we might have to leave. This city is our home. We have a nice life here, and I don’t want that to change, understand?

I understand.

I knew you would because you’re so smart. Now what’s rule number 5? The one we call ‘The Daddy Rule’?

No kissing boys. Yuck. Who’d want to ever kiss a boy, anyway?

Kalane laughed. Very good. Now hurry and finish your breakfast.

Kalane waved her hand and her appearance shifted to that of a human woman. She had long straight blonde hair, green eyes and light freckles. Bryn made a face that showed disappointment.

Mommy? Will you ever be able to go out looking like your real self?

Kalane sighed. Maybe someday, sweetheart, maybe someday. Are you ready to go?

I’m ready Mommy. Bryn paused, Mommy?

What is it dear?

What if the other kids don’t like me? What if they’re mean?

Kalane knelt to look her daughter in the eyes. Now listen to me. You just be yourself and people will like you. Not everyone will like you, but enough will. Nobody is liked by everyone.

Daddy is, Bryn answered matter-of-factly.

Daddy is a special case, Kalane answered with a laugh, while giving her daughter a reassuring hug. Now let’s go. I’ll buy you a treat after.

Mother and daughter walked outside. It was early Rivers Rise, the first week of spring, and the sun was shining and taking the chill out of the air. The park was a few blocks away, on the border between the wealthy section of town and the more common section. They arrived quickly, and there were children of various ages running and playing. Some were playing tag; some were climbing trees. There was a group of older girls gathered around talking.

Bryn was still holding Kalane’s hand. She looked up at Kalane and said I don’t know what to do. How do I know who to play with?

Kalane looked around. Look over there, she said pointing to a group of two boys and a girl. They look like they’re having a play sword fight with sticks. You love doing that with Daddy and Grandpa. Why don’t you go introduce yourself? I’ll be sitting right here on this bench. Go on, don’t be afraid.

Bryn nodded. I’ll try to be brave Mommy. She walked over to the group. They were all human children around her age. They stopped playing when they saw her walk over. The taller boy had short cut brown hair.

He said, Hi I’m Darcy, this is Cedric, and this is Arden, he said pointing to the other boy and the girl.

Cedric was shorter and stockier than Darcy and had curly black hair and brown eyes. He said, Hi.

Arden, the only girl of the three, was about the same height as Bryn. She had long blond hair tied back with a ribbon into a ponytail. She smiled and waved and said, Hello! Do you want to join us? We’re playing knights.

Bryn smiled and said, That would be great. I’m Bryn.

The three set off to find a good stick for Bryn to use. Cedric found one first and handed it to Bryn. She noticed Cedric looking at her wings.

She asked in a nervous voice, What?

Cedric pointed and said, "Your wings, can you fly?"

Bryn cautiously said, Yes, not knowing where this was going.

Cedric exclaimed. That’s so great! In an excited whisper he told Arden and Darcy, Hey guys, Bryn can fly! Isn’t that incredible?

The others were as excited as Cedric, and Darcy asked, Can you show us?

Bryn answered, My mom said I’m not supposed to because it’s not fair to other kids who can’t fly.

Arden said, Please? We don’t mind.

Bryn looked back to the bench where her mother sat. It didn’t look like she was looking their way at the moment. Alright but only a little. The other children all clapped. She flapped her wings and rose about six inches off the ground, moving her wings to keep herself aloft. She looked back and saw Kalane was now looking at her with one eyebrow raised. She came back down to the ground.

Cedric asked, That was good, can you fly higher?

Of course, I can, Bryn answered. There wouldn’t be much point in flying if you can only fly six inches off the ground, now would there?

Cedric thought for a few seconds. You wouldn’t wear out your shoes as fast. They all laughed together.

Arden asked if Bryn knew how to sword fight. Bryn answered Sure, my grandpa and my dad taught me.

Arden said ok, The teams are boys against girls. To Bryn she said, Darcy thinks he’s pretty good, but I bet you can beat him.

The four new friends played together until late in the afternoon. They had noticed that Bryn was getting strange looks from some of the other children in the park, but Bryn pretended not to notice. As they were making plans to meet again, a boy walked over.

He looked at Bryn with disgust, then he turned to Darcy. Why do you play with a monster like that?

Bryn was still trying to decide whether to be angry or sad, when, without a second of hesitation, Darcy punched the boy square on the nose. The other boy ran off, holding his nose. Bryn was a bit shocked, but thanked Darcy for being a friend and standing up for her. They agreed they would meet again the next day.

Bryn ran over to Kalane, who had seen what just happened. She asked if everything was fine.

Bryn answered Yes, Mommy, everything is fine. I have friends. Did you see? I was the best sword fighter too!

Kalane answered, Yes I saw, and I’m proud of you. But, did you forget one of the rules?

Bryn was nervous. I’m sorry, but it was only for a minute and it wasn’t very high at all. And they asked me to and said they didn’t mind. And they said it was great that I can fly. Please don’t be mad.

I’m not mad, it’s okay. This time.

Good I want to go home and write a letter to Nura about my new friends.

Bryn wrote a letter to her cousin as soon as she got back home. She told her all about the new friends she met. She also talked about the boy who called her a monster and about Darcy punching him in the face. Bryn didn’t like fighting, but she admitted in her letter that she thought the boy deserved it. When she finished the letter, she signed it and sealed it in an envelope. That night she gave it to her father to mail the next day. In Istaria mail was generally sent with birds who had been enchanted to find the letter’s intended recipient. Sometimes it took longer, but Bryn received a letter from Nura only 10 days later.

Dear Bryn -

I am so happy that you found some friends in the park. I wish I could have been there to meet them. They sound great and lots of fun. I’m sorry that you had trouble with that boy and the name he called you. I’ve had trouble with people like that too. If you can, it’s best to ignore them. If you try to fight them, you kind of prove them right. Understand? I know it’s hard but try to stay in control. Instead of being mad, feel sorry for them. The boy was probably just jealous of your beautiful wings. I think I’m coming to visit you and your family and stay for the winter. Hopefully, I can meet your new friends. By that time, they’ll be old friends. Please keep writing. I love getting your letters.

Your loving cousin,

Nura

Bryn met with her friends a couple times a week over the rest of the spring and summer, and she did her best to take Nura’s advice. She had always thought that Nura was very smart and gave good advice. For the most part she was able to ignore the children who were cruel and just play with her friends. It helped that her friends always stood by her side when bullies came around. She made more friends as well, as the weather grew warmer and the park became a more popular place. Her main group friends remained Arden, Cedric, and Darcy. They talked about lots of things. She found out what all their parents did for a job. They were all extremely impressed that Bryn’s father used to be an adventurer. Arden said her father was a tailor.

Bryn said, Oh that’s great, my grandfather’s a tailor too.

Arden asked, What’s his name?

Bryn said, Habriston Mithdiriel.

Arden answered, Ooh I’ve heard of him. Daddy says he’s really good and that he tries to do things like Habriston does.

Cedric said his father was a blacksmith and the other friends talked about how strong he must be. Darcy said his father owned a general store.

Bryn said, Oh, I think I know him. Mommy and I go into the store all the time. You look just like him now that I think about it.

Bryn wrote to Nura regularly and saved all Nura’s letters in one of her dresser drawers.

Chapter 2 Gargoyle and Werewolf

Harvest Tide 22-24, 367

As summer turned to fall, fewer children came to the park most days. During the third week of Harvest Tide, Bryn went to the park and found that none of her friends were there. The only people there were a group of eight or ten boys she didn’t know. A couple were her age, but some were older, maybe 12 or 13 years old. They seemed to be watching her. As she was turning to go back home, some of them ran in front of her, and the rest surrounded her. She tried to walk around them, but they blocked her way. Bryn was scared. She was quite sure they wanted to hurt her.

The boy who seemed like the leader said, Where do you think you’re going freak?

Bryn said quietly, I just want to go home. Would you please let me get past?

The leader said, I don’t think so, monster. The others started laughing and calling her freak, monster, demon or worse. One of them pushed her. She couldn’t get past them, and she realized she couldn't fight all of them.

She spread her wings, while snarling the word No in Abyssal, the tongue of demons, trying to clear some space so she could run. One of the boys was frightened by hearing her speak Abyssal. He backpedaled, trying to get out of the way and fell, landing heavily on his wrist.

He cried out and screamed, She attacked me! Help!

Bryn was afraid the town guard, or worse, demon hunters would come for her. She leaped and flapped her wings, taking to the air against the grey autumn sky.

She found a building not too far away and hid on the roof, not moving for fear of being spotted. Afternoon turned into evening and still she didn’t move. She was reminded of gargoyles from old fairy tales, hideous winged monsters that sit on rooftop corners, stone by day but alive at night. She thought that description fit her well. Soon, it became dark, but she was too scared to leave her hiding place.

Nearby on the rooftop, a figure landed, flying without wings. She edged around the chimney, trying to hide.

A familiar voice called out, Bryn, it’s Daddy. Are you up here?

Bryn ran to her father, jumping into his arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. Daddy it was terrible. All these boys were around me, not letting me go home, calling me horrible names. I was so scared. I flew away and I didn’t know what to do.

Del held her tighter and said, It’s okay, Angel, I’ve got you. Are you hurt? Did any of them hurt you?

No, Daddy, I’m not hurt. One of them pushed me but I didn’t fall. One of the boys fell when I started to fly. He said I attacked him, but I swear I didn’t even touch him, he just tripped and fell. I promise I didn’t hurt anybody. Mommy is going to be so mad at me because I broke the rules.

Mommy is not mad at you. She is very worried because you stayed out so long. We searched everywhere we could think. In the end I had to have Grandma cast a spell to find you. They came to visit today. Angel, I’m proud of you that didn’t hurt anybody, but you need to promise me that you won’t run off like this again.

Bryn loved it when Del called her Angel and she managed a smile. I promise Daddy, I’m sorry I made everybody worried. I just got scared.

I know Bryn, but you're safe now. He scooped her up in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Daddy has you. Let’s go home. He cast a spell and they vanished and reappeared in the basement of their home. They walked upstairs where Kalane was waiting in the living room.

As soon as Bryn saw her, she ran to her mother and threw her arms around her, saying I’m so sorry Mommy, I’ll never worry you like that again.

Kalane managed a smile and answered, All that matters is you’re back safe and sound. Are you hungry? Bryn nodded. Yes? Let’s get you something to eat and then it’s bedtime.

The next day, early in the morning, there was a knock on the front door. Del was getting ready to go to the office. Bryn was awake but not yet out of bed. Everyone else was asleep. When Bryn heard the knock, she opened her bedroom door and peeked down the stairs. She saw her father opening the door. Standing on the doorstep was the boy who had tripped at the park the day before. His arm was bandaged. His father was standing next to him, an extremely angry look on his square face. He spoke before Del even said a word.

My boy was hurt because of your daughter. We had to pay the doctor to fix his arm. Doctor bills don’t come cheap. Del glanced at the boy’s bandages which appeared to be loosely wrapped pieces of an old cotton shirt. He was about to reply when the boy’s father looked up and saw Bryn over Del’s shoulder.

He pointed and shouted, That monster hurt my boy. I demand satisfaction!

A simmering anger boiled inside Del. He held it in check, mostly. He subtly cast a spell, drawing the worst fears out of the minds of the two people on his doorstep. To them he appeared to be a large werewolf. From behind Del, Bryn noticed he appeared to get a bit taller.

Del spoke in a quiet but menacing tone. Bryn is not a monster. She is my daughter, just a little girl. Your son tripped over his own clumsy feet. I don’t know what you thought would happen by coming here but mark my words. If you say that word about her again, if I hear your son is bullying her again, or if either of you dare darken my doorstep again. He paused, looking from father to son and back before continuing, then you will see a real monster. Me. And all the gods in the heavens or all the demons in the abyss won’t save you from my wrath. Now run home.

The last three words were said in a shout. Bryn saw them both turn on their heels and run away. She quietly went back into her room and shut the door behind her, just as Del was turning around. He saw her door close, so he went to talk to her, asking if she saw what happened. She admitted she did and then she hugged him and thanked him for believing her and standing up for her.

That’s my job, Angel, and it’s the best job I ever had. Speaking of jobs, how would you like to help me today at work? I know a certain little pink dragon that misses you.

Bryn jumped up and cheered. In less than five minutes she was dressed, had eaten breakfast, and was ready to go. They walked hand in hand to the Watchers headquarters. They passed the Wild Blossom and Del said hello to the owner, Cerlek, who was sweeping the patio outside the front door.

Cerlek asked, Tomorrow night?

Del performed at Cerlek’s tavern regularly. He had known Cerlek for the better part of twenty years, since he had been a teen performing sets for donations. In recent years, he rarely accepted money for playing. Cerlek would give Del and his family free food and drink, insisting that Del accept something for bringing in so much business. Del had only begrudgingly accepted the food and drink as payment.

He answered, Of course, but only a short set, I want to spend time with Bryn. She’s had a rough couple of days.

Cerlek nodded in agreement, Even a short set from you and Caeldrim brings in big crowds...and big money. See you then, old friend. He looked down at Bryn, Hello Bryn, I hope your days get better. He handed her a cookie that he produced from a bag on a nearby table. She thanked him. The men shook hands and then Del and his daughter walked on.

Del and Bryn reached the office about ten minutes later. A flock of about a dozen tiny dragons flew in and out of the second-floor windows of the building that housed the guild’s headquarters. Even from a distance, Bryn spotted Eryn’s bright pink form flying among the others.

Bryn pulled on Del’s sleeve excitedly, Look, Daddy, there’s Eryn!

Eryn seemed to notice Bryn as well. It flew in two loops and then into the window of Del’s office. When Bryn walked through the doorway into Del’s office, Eryn flew into her arms. Bryn had brought a few pastries from home and shared one with Eryn as they sat down in the big comfortable armchair in Del’s office.

Del smiled and said, Don’t feed her too much, Angel. We don’t want her so fat she can’t fly.

Bryn laughed and said, I won’t Daddy. Eryn looked at Del and snorted indignantly. Then the dragon looked down at its own belly and frowned. Bryn said, Don’t listen to him Eryn, you look beautiful.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Del said Come in, and Caeldrim opened the door and stuck his head in. Caeldrim was the tallest person Bryn knew or had seen, at over six and a half feet tall. He had long blond hair and spoke in an accent that Del had told her was from the Brosha Empire, a country far to the north where it got very cold.

He smiled and said, Hello Bryn, are you coming to watch Daddy and Uncle Caeldrim play on Friday?

Bryn smiled and said, Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.

Del looked at Caeldrim and said with a laugh, Did you need something or are you just out promoting our show?

Caeldrim looked back at Del and thought for a few seconds. Oh right. We found a lead on another Nugon site. In southern Brosha.

Del said, Great! Send an advance team and start scouting. I’ll see if I can dig up some adventurers to explore the site for us.

Caeldrim responded, Dig up? Is that some kind of archaeology dad joke? Bryn laughed.

Del laughed. Guilty as charged. Hey if you’re not busy after the show tomorrow, why don’t you and Sylera come over for dinner. My parents will be there. They always liked you. Sometimes more than they liked me.

Caeldrim smiled, Well I am much better looking than you and more charming too. I think we’re free, but I’ll ask Sylera and let you know. In the meantime, I’ll go get the scout team set up. He left, closing the door behind him.

Bryn asked, Daddy, what’s a Nugon?

Del answered, Well the Nugons were an ancient civilization. We’ve been studying them for a long time but still don’t know too much about them. We know they built machines and had a way to make lightning inside. And we know what their money looked like. He opened a drawer in his desk and took out a small translucent crystal. It had 8 sides, resembling two pyramids stuck together at the base. He handed it to Bryn.

Pretty, she said holding it up to catch the morning light coming in through the office window. Can I keep it?

You sure can, I have plenty.

Thank you, Daddy.

You’re welcome, sweetheart. Daddy has some paperwork to do, so why don’t you play with Eryn for a while?

Bryn and Eryn played together the rest of the day. Del took Bryn to the Wild Blossom for lunch around midday. He decided to leave work a couple hours early, after all he was the boss.

The next evening Kalane took Bryn to see Del perform, along with Del’s parents, Habriston and Merilwen. Del and Caeldrim only played five songs, but the tavern was busy, and they received enthusiastic applause. Bryn loved the music and convinced her grandfather to dance with her. After the performance, the family, along with Caeldrim and his wife Sylera walked back to Bryn’s house and had dinner. Merilwen cooked, and Caeldrim went on about how great her cooking was, which caused a few dirty looks from Sylera to be cast his way. During most of the meal, Bryn turned the Nugon crystal over in her small fingers, enjoying the way it caught the light.

Chapter 3 Happy Reunions

Leaf Drop 1, 367 - Darkening 23, 367

The weather for much of the fall was too cold and wet to allow many trips to the park. Bryn saw her friends on the few days where the weather cooperated. They tried to get out as much as they could because winters were almost never cooperative.

She spent a lot of days in her father’s office with Eryn curled on her lap. She wrote several letters to Nura, who always wrote back. In the late fall right before winter, Bryn received a letter from Nura. It said she would be in town the next day and would stay for the entire winter. Nura was a frequent guest at Bryn’s house and had her own room, right next to Bryn’s room. Bryn was sitting on her usual armchair in Del’s office as she read the letter. She was so excited, she jumped up, the sleeping Eryn spilling from her lap onto the floor with a soft thud.

Eryn woke and chattered disapprovingly at Bryn, who picked her back up and said, I’m so sorry Eryn, please forgive me. The tiny pink dragon nuzzled into Bryn and went back to sleep.

A week before the town’s Yule Ball, which was on Darkening 22 each year, Bryn’s grandparents arrived through the teleportation circle that Del and Merilwen had set up between their houses. Habriston and Merilwen had orders for several suits and dresses for the ball. Most of the clothing had already been finished, but a few pieces remained. Del had set up a workshop area in the basement of the house for them. He also helped when he could, having been trained in the family business as a child. Bryn spent much of the morning watching them work because Merilwen liked to sing while she worked, and Bryn loved listening to her.

Later in the afternoon, Bryn was sitting in the living room writing in the diary she kept. The door opened and she looked up. Nura was standing in the doorway. Before Nura could walk through the open doorway, Bryn jumped up, ran to the door and almost tackled her older cousin with a hug.

Nura laughed as she regained her balance and returned the hug. I missed you, too.

The cousins sat down on the bed in Nura’s room. Bryn talked about her new friends, about the incident with the bullies.

Nura said, I understand why you would be scared, but next time you should come home, ok?

Bryn answered, That’s what Daddy said too. I promised I will do that. Then she went on talking about Eryn and showed Nura her Nugon crystal. Nura