Page 99 of Marin’s Promise

“What has become of Bran?” Marin asked, desperate for news with a mix of dread and anxiety.

“He is alive,” Leila whispered. “They have let him go.”

He was alive. Every knot of apprehension loosened. Marin caught herself against the wall lest she fall to the ground with the force of her relief.

“They let him go?” Marin straightened. “Where? Where is he?”

Leila shrugged. “Beyond the castle gates. He has been told never to return, or he will be killed on sight.”

“He's gone,” Marin repeated slowly.

“Aye, over an hour ago.”

Marin sank to the floor, no longer trusting her legs to hold her properly upright. Bran was gone. She would never see him again. She’d never had the opportunity to say goodbye. That last thought lodged in her mind like stone and rattled around until it was the only one thing she could hear.

She’d never been able to even say goodbye.

“Are you going to go after him?” Leila asked.

Marin snapped her head up.

Leila shrugged her delicate shoulders. “I didn't sneak here to open your door simply for an embrace.” She smiled sheepishly. “Though it was nice.”

“You did that for me?”

Leila nodded.

“Do the others know?” Marin asked of her sisters.

Leila shook her head. “You know they would not want you to leave.” She twisted her lips to the side and gazed intently at the floor. Her small sniffle pinched at Marin's heart.

“You don't want me to leave either, do you?” She got to her feet and went to her smallest sister.

“Nay,” Leila cried. She threw her skinny arms around Marin's waist and hugged her with the strength of a warrior. “I love you so much. It was hard to come.”

Marin stroked her sister's head. “Then why did you do it?”

Leila turned her luminous blue eyes up at Marin. “Because I want you to be happy more than I want my heart to be whole.”

“You are selfless and wonderful, Leila.”

“As are you.” Leila toyed with a loose string on the sleeve of her pale green kirtle. “It's what finally made me come to you. All our lives you've been there for us, giving so selflessly. You've never wanted anything for yourself, even though the rest of us needed you for everything. You were the mother I didn't have.” Her voice caught.

“Leila.” Marin knelt and looked at her sister.

“I know how much you love him. The Grahams suffered a great defeat with many of them slain. I do not think they have the forces to rally once more. But I would avoid large groups if I were you.” Leila pulled a dagger from her pocket and gave it to Marin. “Nan is waiting.”

“Nan?” She took the dagger and slipped the sheath onto her belt.

Leila motioned for Marin to follow her into the hall. Together they wound their way down to the kitchen. The castle was still around them, the soldiers all sleeping soundly after a hearty battle, many having just returned home for the first time in a month. The moment that they entered, Nan sprang up from a small wooden chair by the hearth.

“My lady.” Nan stopped in front of her and her kind brown eyes crinkled with emotion. “Oh, my lady.”

“Thank you for helping,” Marin said earnestly.

Nan smiled sadly and nodded. “I'd have followed my Hewie had he gone to a place I could join him. I cannot think what life will be like without you here, but I know I want you to be happy.”

“Will you be well here?” Marin surveyed the limited food stores and could not stop the nip of concern at leaving the castle thus.